Bengals vs. Ravens Preview: Will Lamar Jackson Play, Can Baltimore Stop Cincinnati’s Passing Attack, and Is Derrick Henry Being Overused?

By Charles Harris | Ravori Sports

The Baltimore Ravens are heading into a critical AFC North showdown with the Cincinnati Bengals, and there are questions that could define the direction of their season. Will Lamar Jackson be back under center? Can Baltimore finally slow down the Bengals' passing attack? Are Joe Burrow and Jackson still two of the NFL's elite quarterbacks? And is Derrick Henry being asked to do too much at 32 years old?

Those questions are even more important after Baltimore's frustrating 13-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns. The Ravens had an opportunity to make a statement but left Cleveland with another divisional defeat. Derrick Henry's critical fumble became a defining moment, and the offense struggled to do enough to win without Jackson.

Now Cincinnati comes to Baltimore on Sunday, October 25, and the Ravens need a response. This is more than another game on the schedule. It is an opportunity to prove that Baltimore can recover from adversity, protect its home field and remain a serious contender in the AFC North.

The Bengals bring a dangerous passing game, the Ravens have uncertainty surrounding their franchise quarterback, and Henry's workload is becoming a legitimate discussion. Add Trey Hendrickson facing his former team, and there are plenty of storylines to watch.

For Baltimore, the excuses have to stop. The Ravens need to execute, protect the football and find a way to win.

Will Lamar Jackson Play Against Cincinnati?

The biggest question entering Sunday is whether Lamar Jackson will return to the lineup. The encouraging news is that Jackson returned to limited practice on Wednesday for the first time since suffering an ankle injury on October 4. That is a positive step, but it does not guarantee that he will play against Cincinnati. Head coach Jesse Minter has described the situation as day-to-day, and Baltimore must determine whether Jackson can move effectively enough to protect himself and operate the offense.

Ravens fans understandably want their two-time MVP back on the field. Jackson changes the entire dynamic of this offense. His ability to extend plays, escape pressure, threaten defenses as a runner and deliver explosive passes forces opponents to defend every blade of grass. When he is healthy, defensive coordinators cannot simply focus on stopping Henry or sitting back to defend the passing game.

But this is where the Ravens must be smart. Getting Jackson back for one divisional game means very little if he aggravates the injury and misses additional weeks. Baltimore needs its franchise quarterback for the long haul, not just for a Sunday afternoon against Cincinnati.

The decision should come down to whether Jackson can move, plant his foot, throw accurately and respond to contact without being significantly limited. If he cannot do those things, the Ravens should not rush him back merely because the matchup is important.

If Jackson does play, even at less than full strength, Baltimore's offense immediately becomes more dangerous. The Bengals must prepare for his passing ability and his legs, and that uncertainty can open running lanes for Henry and opportunities for Zay Flowers.

If Jackson sits again, Tyler Huntley will have to take the reins. Huntley helped Baltimore earn a 30-23 overtime victory against Atlanta, but the offense struggled in the 13-10 loss to Cleveland. He has shown that he can run the system and make plays, yet the difference between Huntley and Jackson is the explosive element Jackson brings. The Ravens can win with Huntley, but they will need sharper execution, a more effective running game and fewer mistakes.

My take: Jackson's return to practice is encouraging, but Ravens fans should wait for the final injury report before assuming he will start. The goal is to get him back when he can play effectively, not simply to get him back on the field.

Baltimore Must Stop the Bengals' Passing Attack

The Ravens' defensive assignment is clear: make Cincinnati work for every yard through the air and prevent its explosive plays from deciding the game.

Joe Burrow remains one of the league's most dangerous pocket passers. His accuracy, anticipation and willingness to challenge tight windows make him a difficult quarterback to defend. When he has time to throw, he can dissect a defense by spreading the ball around and finding mismatches.

Ja'Marr Chase is the obvious matchup problem. He can win vertically, create separation on intermediate routes and turn a routine completion into a major gain after the catch. Tee Higgins adds another physical receiver who can win contested catches and punish defensive backs who lose positioning. The Ravens cannot afford to focus exclusively on Chase and allow Higgins to become the difference-maker.

Baltimore must also pressure Burrow without losing control of its coverage responsibilities. Blitzing can disrupt his timing, but bringing extra defenders can leave the secondary exposed. If the pass rush fails to arrive quickly, Burrow has the experience and accuracy to exploit those openings.

That is where Trey Hendrickson becomes so important.

Kyle Hamilton will also have a major role in the defensive plan. His versatility allows Baltimore to disguise coverages, move him around the formation and create uncertainty for opposing quarterbacks. He can line up near the line of scrimmage, cover receivers in the slot, help against tight ends or drop into deeper coverage. The Ravens need Hamilton to be a playmaker without allowing Cincinnati to manipulate his alignment.

The defense must tackle well, communicate after the snap and avoid giving up easy yards. Missed tackles and blown assignments against Cincinnati's receivers can turn a promising defensive series into a touchdown drive.

The Ravens do not necessarily need to shut Burrow down completely. They need to make him uncomfortable, force him to hold the ball and prevent the Bengals from repeatedly producing explosive completions. Pressure, disciplined coverage and turnovers could determine whether Baltimore controls the game or spends Sunday chasing Cincinnati's offense.

Are Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow Still Elite Quarterbacks?

This is one of the most interesting questions heading into this matchup. When healthy, both Jackson and Burrow belong in the conversation among the NFL's best quarterbacks. But being elite is about more than reputation. It is about availability, consistency, decision-making and whether a quarterback can put his team in position to win when the pressure is at its highest.

Jackson has completed 70.8% of his passes for 967 yards, six touchdowns and one interception in his appearances this season. His explosiveness remains a major part of Baltimore's offensive identity. The problem is that an ankle injury has kept him out for the last two games, leaving the Ravens without their biggest offensive weapon.

Burrow's greatest strength is his ability to deliver the football accurately from the pocket and read defenses quickly. His connection with Chase and Higgins makes Cincinnati dangerous even when the running game is not producing much. He can attack the middle of the field, take advantage of defensive breakdowns and deliver in high-pressure situations.

But the elite label comes with expectations. Jackson has to stay healthy enough to impact games, and Burrow has to continue turning his passing talent into victories. Neither quarterback can do everything alone, but both are paid and expected to elevate their offenses.

For this matchup, Jackson's availability is the difference-maker. If he plays and can move comfortably, Baltimore has the quarterback advantage in terms of creating problems with both his arm and his legs. If he is sidelined, Burrow's ability to attack through the air becomes an even bigger concern for the Ravens.

The bottom line? Both quarterbacks have elite-level ability, but Baltimore needs Jackson healthy, and Cincinnati needs Burrow to capitalize on the opportunity in front of him.

Is Baltimore Overusing Derrick Henry?

Now we get to another debate that Ravens fans cannot ignore: Derrick Henry's workload.

Henry is 32 years old and leads the NFL with 130 carries through five games. He has rushed for 534 yards and seven touchdowns, demonstrating that he remains one of the league's most productive and physically imposing running backs. But he also lost a critical fumble in the 13-10 defeat against Cleveland.

The question is not whether Henry can still play. He clearly can. The question is whether Baltimore is relying on him too heavily, particularly while Jackson is recovering from an injury.

Henry carried the ball 17 times for 58 yards against Cleveland, and the fumble proved costly in a game where points were difficult to find. One mistake does not erase everything he has done for the Ravens, but it reinforces how important ball security becomes when the offense is struggling.

Baltimore brought Henry in to be a difference-maker, and it should continue using him as one. His size, power and ability to break tackles can wear down defenses over four quarters. However, there is a difference between using Henry as the foundation of the running game and expecting him to carry the entire offense.

The Ravens need to spread the workload. They should use their other backs to keep Henry fresh, incorporate more short passes to running backs and use motion and misdirection to create favorable matchups. When Jackson returns, the quarterback-run threat should also make life easier for Henry by forcing defenders to account for two dangerous runners.

If Jackson cannot play, the coaching staff must be especially careful. Henry may need to be the centerpiece of the offense, but Baltimore cannot make every drive predictable by repeatedly running him into a loaded defensive front.

And let's be clear: Henry's fumble was costly, but the Ravens' offensive struggles cannot be pinned on one player. Baltimore scored only 10 points against Cleveland. That is a team-wide problem involving execution, play-calling, quarterback availability and the ability to finish drives.

My concern is not that Henry is too old to handle a significant role. It is that Baltimore must manage his touches intelligently to keep him effective throughout the season. The Ravens need Henry in December and January, not exhausted because they failed to develop other options in October.

Trey Hendrickson Faces His Former Team

One of the biggest storylines Sunday is Trey Hendrickson facing Cincinnati for the first time since leaving the Bengals for Baltimore.

Hendrickson spent five seasons with Cincinnati and recorded 61 sacks from 2021 through 2025. His departure followed contract disagreements and an injury-shortened final season. Now he is wearing purple and black, and his job is to make life miserable for the quarterback he once helped protect his former team against.

During his press conference, Hendrickson spoke about the “hunger and desire” that continues to drive him to pressure and sack quarterbacks. He downplayed the idea of making Sunday's game personal, emphasizing that his focus is on helping the Ravens win.

I like that mindset. Hendrickson does not need to turn this into a revenge tour. His best response is to show up, win his matchups and make Burrow uncomfortable.

Hendrickson had eight pressures and a sack against Cleveland despite Baltimore's defeat. That performance is encouraging, and the Ravens need him to bring that same intensity against Cincinnati.

However, one pass rusher cannot win this matchup alone. Baltimore needs its entire defensive front to create pressure, while the secondary must maintain coverage long enough for that pressure to matter. If Burrow has a clean pocket and time to find Chase or Higgins, Hendrickson's impact will be limited.

This is an opportunity for Hendrickson to make a statement against his former team. But the ultimate statement is a Ravens victory.

Three Keys to a Ravens Victory

First, Baltimore must protect the football. The Henry fumble against Cleveland was a painful reminder that one mistake can decide a close game. The Ravens cannot give Cincinnati short fields or waste scoring opportunities.

Second, the defense must limit explosive passes. The Bengals have the receiving talent to turn a routine completion into a game-changing play. Baltimore must pressure Burrow, tackle in space and avoid blown coverages.

Third, the offense must find balance. If Jackson plays, Baltimore should take advantage of his mobility while giving Henry a productive workload. If Huntley starts, the Ravens need to use quick throws, play-action and smart decisions to keep Cincinnati from stacking the box and daring Baltimore to throw.

Final Prediction: Baltimore Needs a Statement Win

This is a game the Ravens need to win, especially after the Cleveland disappointment. Cincinnati arrives rested from its bye, while Baltimore has spent the week dealing with injuries and questions about its offensive identity.

If Jackson returns and is healthy enough to move effectively, I like Baltimore's chances to make the offense more dynamic. If he cannot play, the Ravens must lean on Henry without becoming predictable and ask the defense to deliver its best performance of the season.

The Bengals have the passing weapons to exploit defensive mistakes, and Burrow will test Baltimore's secondary throughout the afternoon. Hendrickson's ability to generate pressure could be a major factor, but the Ravens must play disciplined football behind him.

My prediction: Ravens 27, Bengals 24.

I expect a close AFC North battle, with Baltimore needing a late defensive stop or a clutch offensive drive to secure the win. But that prediction depends heavily on Jackson's availability and mobility. Without him, this becomes a much tougher assignment.

Ravens fans have heard enough about potential. It is time for execution. Protect the football, pressure Burrow, give Henry help and make M&T Bank Stadium a difficult place for Cincinnati to play.

The Ravens cannot afford another frustrating divisional loss. Sunday is their opportunity to respond.

Flock Up!

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