The Fierce Rivalry Between the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals

The Rivalry Between the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals

The Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals have developed one of the fiercest rivalries in the NFL over the past two decades. As members of the AFC North division, these two teams face off twice per season and often battle for playoff spots and division titles.

Key Moments in the Ravens vs Bengals Rivalry

Some key moments that have fueled this heated rivalry include:

• Hard hits and trash talk exchanges between players like Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs, and Vontaze Burfict
• Close game finishes decided in the final minutes or overtime
• Postseason matchups with high stakes
• Bad blood between the teams stemming from key injuries to stars like Carson Palmer and Hines Ward

Most Memorable Ravens vs Bengals Games

Some of the most memorable games include:

• The 2022 Week 18 game where the banged up Ravens needed a win to make the playoffs while the Bengals rested their starters, resulting in a dramatic Ravens comeback victory
• The 2021 Week 7 blowout where the Bengals demolished the Ravens 41-17, prompting Lamar Jackson to later tweet “I can’t wait til we see them again”
• The 2017 finale where Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict controversially hit Ravens tight end Maxx Williams in the head, ramping up tensions between the teams
• The game in 2006 where Bart Scott threw a penalty flag into the stands after feeling the Ravens were robbed by the officials in a loss to the Bengals

Facts and Stats on Ravens vs Bengals Games

Here are some interesting facts and stats from past Ravens vs Bengals matchups:

• The Ravens hold a 27-25 edge in the all-time series record
• 12 of the past 20 games between the teams have been decided by 3 points or less
• Lamar Jackson is 5-2 against the Bengals with a 68% completion rate and 12 total TDs
• The most points scored in the rivalry came in a 51-45 Ravens win in 2007
• Joe Flacco posted a 12-9 record against the Bengals in his Ravens career
• The Bengals had a 5-game win streak over the Ravens spanning the 2013 and 2014 seasons

Top Player Performances in Ravens vs Bengals Games

The rivalry has featured some incredible individual efforts over the years. Some top player performances include:

• Lamar Jackson: 5 Passing TDs in 2019 game
• Corey Dillon: Set NFL record with 278 yards rushing for Bengals in 2000
• A.J. Green: 9 catches, two TDs including game-winning grab in 2012
• Adalius Thomas: 3 sacks, forced fumble and TD catch for Ravens in 2006
• Ray Lewis: 15 tackles and end zone INT for Ravens in 2004 defensive battle vs Bengals

Best Games Yet to Come in Ravens vs Bengals Rivalry

With young stars like Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow in place for both squads, not to mention fiery coaches in John Harbaugh and Zac Taylor, the best games in this rivalry likely lie ahead.

The AFC North will be fiercely contested over the next decade. And with both Baltimore and Cincinnati looking like contenders moving forward, these heated matchups will likely determine the balance of power in the division for years to come.

So when these bitter foes clash in the future with playoff spots and division titles on the line, expect tempers to flare and the unexpected to occur. The next era of hard hits, close finishes, and bad blood kicks off soon!

FAQs

Which team leads the all-time series between the Ravens and Bengals?

The Baltimore Ravens lead the Cincinnati Bengals 27-25 in the all-time series between the teams.

What was the largest margin of victory in a Ravens vs Bengals game?

The Bengals earned a 37-3 win over the Ravens in 2018 for the largest margin of victory for either team in the rivalry.

Who won the most recent Ravens vs Bengals matchup?

The Ravens won the most recent matchup in Week 18 of the 2022 season by a score of 27-16 to secure a playoff spot.

How many times have the Ravens and Bengals met in the playoffs?

The two teams have faced off twice in the postseason, with the Ravens winning divisional round matchups in 2008 and 2012 en route to appearances in the AFC Championship Game.