Bengals vs Ravens Odds - Bengals are a live dog in Baltimore
The Bengals vs Ravens odds sets up a battle for top spot in the AFC North - and the AFC - believe it or not. The Bengals could be at the top of the division had it not been for a fluky loss to Denver, but now that Denver is 4-0, that lone Bengals loss doesn’t look so bad. Online betting fans should expect a tight game between two division rivals.
Bengals vs Ravens odds: Bengals -9
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Bengals vs Ravens odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
NFL betting fans are having a tough time putting their faith in Cincinnati. After all, they’re still the Bengals. Nonetheless, with a healthy Carson Palmer and Chad Ochocinco, this team is for real. This will be their biggest test to date, but as a nine-point underdog, the pressure is not on them to win this game. For the Ravens, this is an important game. They started 3-0 but were humbled by the New England Patriots. Now the question is if they’ll bounce back, or if that loss signals the start of a skid. Although the Bengals are better than people expected, the Ravens can’t afford to lose this game at home and still be taken seriously. Betting Edge: Ravens
Bengals vs Ravens odds maker breakdown: Offense
The Bengals offense has played well in spurts this year but they have yet to hit their stride. They’ve discovered a running game with Cedric Benson, both Carson Palmer and Chad Ochocinco are healthy and playing at an elite level, but the offense has still sputtered at times. They will get stronger as the year goes on, but this week could be a challenge for them. For Baltimore, their running game is flowing freely right now. Between Ray Rice and Willis McGahee, the Ravens are getting everything they want on the ground. The Patriots did a good job of limiting them and the Ravens weren’t able to make enough plays in the passing game to win. Even so, they have averaged 31 points per game this year and have a very consistent offense. Betting Edge: Baltimore
Bengals vs Ravens odds maker breakdown: Defense
In years past, the Ravens would have won this matchup easily, but the performance of both defenses so far this year tells a different story. The Bengals’ young defense has been up to the task, slowing down the Broncos, Steelers and Packers offenses. A lot of their young parts are finally growing up, and most importantly, they are getting pressure on the quarterback. Meanwhile, Baltimore’s defense has not looked the same since Rex Ryan left. Aside from holding the feeble Browns to just three points, the Ravens have allowed 77 points in their other three games. Aside from the four interceptions that the Browns coughed up, the Ravens defense has forced just two turnovers in their other three games. We’ll still give the slight edge based on reputation. Betting Edge: Ravens
Bengals vs Ravens odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Sportsbook odds makers are keeping a close eye on Ravens left tackle Jared Gaither, who may be out for this week’s contest. The Ravens had trouble protecting quarterback Joe Flacco last week and playing without their left tackle would be a big loss for this coming week. Betting Edge: Bengals
Bengals vs Ravens odds for total: 41.5
The Ravens defense isn’t what it used to be, which means the Bengals should put up some points. Meanwhile, the Ravens offense has yet to score less than 21 points in a game this year. Both teams have what it takes to push this over. Pick: Over 41.5
Bengals vs Ravens betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
This is a must-win for the Ravens, and look for them to be fired up after coming up short in New England this week. Even so, the Bengals are for real and they’ll keep this game within the spread. STAN’S PICK: Bengals +9
There’s plenty of sports betting analysis in the betonline.com Betting Edge so check back frequently. There’s also plenty more numbers on the Bengals vs Ravens odds in our stats center. Stan Simmons is one of betonline.com's NFL experts.
