The Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals have one of the most exciting rivalries in the NFL. These two AFC North teams play each other twice every season, and the games are almost always close and full of big plays. Fans on both sides know that when the Ravens and Bengals meet, they will see great quarterback play, strong running backs, and a lot of scoring.
In this article, we will look at the player stats from this matchup, talk about the key players on both teams, and explain what makes this rivalry so special. Whether you are a long time fan or new to football, this guide will help you understand the numbers and the story behind them.
A Quick Look at the Rivalry
The Ravens and Bengals have played each other 61 times since their first meeting in November 1996. Baltimore holds the edge in the series, with 33 wins to Cincinnati’s 28. In the playoffs, the two teams have met only once, and the Bengals won that game.
This rivalry became much more heated in recent years, mostly because of the quarterback matchup between Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow. Both players are among the best in the league, and their head to head games often turn into shootouts. In fact, one of their past meetings saw the two quarterbacks combine for 740 passing yards in a single game. That shows just how good these offenses can be when they face each other.
The most recent meeting took place on December 14, 2025, and it was a lopsided one. The Ravens won that game 24-0, shutting out the Bengals completely. The two teams are set to meet again on October 25, 2026, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.
Key Players to Watch
Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens, Quarterback)
Lamar Jackson is the heart of the Ravens offense. He is known for his speed and his ability to make big plays with his legs, but he has also grown into a strong passer over the years. In past games against the Bengals, Jackson has thrown for big numbers, including a game where he passed for 290 yards and 4 touchdowns. He has also had games where he ran for extra yards on top of his passing stats, which makes him hard for any defense to stop.
Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals, Quarterback)
Joe Burrow is one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL, and he has had some huge games against the Ravens. In one meeting, Burrow threw for 428 yards and 4 touchdowns, which is one of the best passing performances in the whole rivalry. He likes to throw the ball deep, and he has great chemistry with his top receiver, which we will talk about next.
Ja’Marr Chase (Cincinnati Bengals, Wide Receiver)
Ja’Marr Chase is one of the best wide receivers in football today. He has torched the Ravens defense many times, including a game where he caught 10 passes for 132 yards. Chase is fast, has great hands, and knows how to get open even when defenders are covering him closely. When Burrow needs a big play, Chase is usually the man he looks for.
Derrick Henry (Baltimore Ravens, Running Back)
Derrick Henry is known as one of the strongest running backs in the league. He runs hard and wears down defenses as the game goes on. Against the Bengals, Henry has had strong outings, including a game with 100 rushing yards on just 11 carries. His power running style helps take pressure off Jackson and keeps the Ravens offense balanced.
Zay Flowers (Baltimore Ravens, Wide Receiver)
Zay Flowers has become one of Jackson’s favorite targets. He is quick and can turn short passes into long gains. In one recent matchup, Flowers caught 3 passes for 68 yards and a touchdown against the Bengals defense. He gives the Ravens a reliable option in the passing game.
Chase Brown (Cincinnati Bengals, Running Back)
Chase Brown has stepped up as a key runner for Cincinnati. He has had solid games against Baltimore, including one where he carried the ball 15 times for 78 yards. Brown helps keep the Bengals offense from relying only on the passing game.
Isaiah Likely (Baltimore Ravens, Tight End)
Isaiah Likely has also made his mark in this rivalry. In one game against the Bengals, he caught 5 passes for 95 yards, showing that he can be a big play threat from the tight end position.
Team Stats and Trends
When we look at the full picture of this rivalry, a few trends stand out.
High scoring games. Many Ravens vs Bengals games end up with a lot of points. The highest scoring games in the series have hit numbers like 49 points for the Ravens and 42 points for the Bengals in single games. This shows that both offenses can put up big numbers when they are playing well.
Close series record. With Baltimore holding a 33-28 edge overall, the series is fairly even. Over the last five years alone, the Ravens hold a 6-4 record against the Bengals, which shows that neither team has a huge advantage in recent seasons.
Strong rushing attacks. Both teams like to run the ball as well as pass it. The Ravens, especially, are known for having one of the best rushing offenses in the NFL, ranking near the top of the league in rushing yards per game in recent seasons.
Defense matters too. While this rivalry is often about offense, defense has played a big role in some of the most memorable games. The 2022 AFC Wild Card game between these two teams featured a famous defensive play, a long fumble return that fans still talk about today. That game ended with the Bengals winning 24-17.
What to Expect in the Next Matchup
The next Ravens vs Bengals game is scheduled for October 25, 2026, at M&T Bank Stadium. Based on recent history, fans should expect a competitive game with plenty of offense from both sides. Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow will once again be the center of attention, and players like Ja’Marr Chase, Derrick Henry, and Zay Flowers will look to make big plays.
The Ravens have won their last meeting in a big way, so the Bengals will likely want to bounce back and show they can compete with their division rival. Both teams have talented rosters, so the game should be close no matter what the records say going in.
Why This Rivalry Matters
The Ravens and Bengals are both part of the AFC North, one of the toughest divisions in football. Because they play twice every year, the games often affect the playoff picture. A win or loss against a division rival can be the difference between making the playoffs or missing out.
Beyond the standings, this rivalry has given fans some of the most exciting football games in recent memory. From last second field goals to comeback wins and dominant shutouts, Ravens vs Bengals games rarely disappoint. The mix of great quarterbacks, strong running backs, and playmaking receivers means fans always have something to watch for.
Final Thoughts
The Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals have built one of the most entertaining rivalries in the NFL. With stars like Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Derrick Henry, every game between these two teams brings a mix of speed, power, and skill. The series is close, the games are often high scoring, and the stakes are always high because of the AFC North standings.
As the next matchup on October 25, 2026 gets closer, fans can expect another chapter in this growing rivalry. Keep an eye on the passing numbers from Jackson and Burrow, the rushing stats from Henry and Brown, and the receiving stats from Chase and Flowers. These are the players who usually decide how the game goes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who leads the all time series between the Ravens and Bengals?
The Baltimore Ravens lead the all time series with 33 wins compared to 28 wins for the Cincinnati Bengals. The two teams have played 61 times since 1996, including one playoff game, which the Bengals won.
When is the next Ravens vs Bengals game?
The next matchup between the two teams is set for October 25, 2026. The game will be played at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.
Who are the top players to watch in this rivalry?
The biggest names to watch are quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow. Other key players include running backs Derrick Henry and Chase Brown, along with wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Zay Flowers. These players have delivered strong stats in past meetings and are likely to play a big role in future games.
