The Cincinnati Bengals didn’t just beat the Baltimore Ravens on Thanksgiving night — they dismantled them. With a 32-14 demolition at M&T Bank Stadium on November 27, 2025, the Bengals snapped a brutal nine-game losing streak against their AFC North rivals and halted Baltimore’s five-game winning run in dramatic fashion. The game, broadcast nationally as part of the NFL’s Thanksgiving slate, wasn’t just a win — it was a statement. And it came thanks to a defense that forced five turnovers, a quarterback who returned from injury like a man possessed, and a Ravens offense that unraveled under its own weight.
Burrow’s Return, Jackson’s Struggles
Joe Burrow stepped back onto the field for the first time in weeks, and it was like the Bengals had unlocked a hidden level. He wasn’t just accurate — he was surgical. His first touchdown pass to Ja’Marr Chase came on a 42-yard strike that split two defenders like a scalpel. By halftime, Burrow had already racked up 217 yards and two scores, silencing critics who wondered if he’d lost his edge after the injury. Meanwhile, Lamar Jackson, the 2019 MVP, looked rattled. He threw two interceptions — one returned 67 yards for a touchdown by Bengals safety Daxton Hill — and fumbled twice, including a critical botched handoff that led to a Cincinnati score. "He’s usually so composed," said analyst Mike during the broadcast. "Tonight? He was chasing ghosts."
The Turnover Tsunami
The Ravens committed five turnovers — five. That’s not a mistake. That’s a meltdown. And it wasn’t just Jackson’s fault. Running back J.K. Dobbins fumbled on a critical third-and-1 late in the third quarter. Tight end Mark Andrews dropped a pass in the end zone that could’ve cut the lead to eight. Even special teams contributed: a blocked punt set up Cincinnati’s third touchdown. The Bengals’ defense, long criticized for inconsistency, turned into a predator. Five takeaways. Zero points allowed off those turnovers. "If you are the Ravens," blared the broadcast commentary at the 892-second mark, "you are not winning a lot of games doing that."
Special Teams and the Unseen Heroes
While the headlines go to Burrow and the defense, the game’s quietest hero was Ryan Rehkow, the Bengals’ long snapper and holder. On a 31-yard field goal attempt in the second quarter, Rehkow delivered a "riffled snap" — a term used by analysts to describe a low, laser-fast delivery — that allowed kicker Evan McPherson to drill it cleanly. No hiccup. No delay. Just execution. Meanwhile, Baltimore’s absence of starting cornerback Nate Wiggins forced rookie Marlon Humphrey into coverage against Chase, a mismatch that Burrow exploited relentlessly. "Wiggins is their best cover guy," noted analyst Jason. "Without him? It’s like playing chess with one bishop."
Historical Reversal: The 8-of-9 Curse Broken
Before Thursday, the Bengals had lost eight of their last nine games against the Ravens. That wasn’t just bad luck — it was psychological. Baltimore’s defense had consistently smothered Cincinnati’s passing game. Their physicality broke Burrow’s rhythm. Their sideline energy rattled the Bengals’ young core. But this time, Cincinnati came prepared. They ran the ball more. They kept the chains moving. They controlled the clock for over 37 minutes. And when the Ravens finally got the ball back with under eight minutes left, down 15, the crowd — once roaring — went silent. "It’s like they knew," said one fan in the stands. "They knew this wasn’t their night."
What This Means for the AFC North
The Ravens’ five-game winning streak was supposed to be the springboard to a deep playoff run. Now, they’re tied with the Bengals at 7-5, and Cincinnati holds the tiebreaker after this win. The division is a dogfight again. With the Steelers losing to the Browns on Sunday, the Bengals now sit in second place — and they’ve got momentum. For Baltimore, the questions pile up: Is Jackson’s mobility declining? Can the offensive line protect him against elite pass rushes? And why does this team always seem to self-destruct on national stages? Coach John Harbaugh, normally unflappable, looked grim on the sideline. "We made too many mistakes," he said postgame. "You can’t win in this league with that kind of ball security."
What’s Next?
The Bengals head into Week 14 with a home game against the Cleveland Browns — a team they’ve beaten twice this season. They’ll be heavy favorites. The Ravens, meanwhile, face the Buffalo Bills on December 2 — a brutal road test against a team that leads the league in sacks. If Baltimore can’t fix their turnover issues by then, their playoff hopes may be slipping. For Cincinnati, this win isn’t just about pride. It’s about belief. They’ve been written off for months. Now, they’re suddenly in the conversation.
Behind the Numbers
- Final score: Bengals 32, Ravens 14
- Turnovers forced by Bengals: 5 (3 INTs, 2 fumbles recovered)
- Joe Burrow’s passing yards: 294, 3 TDs, 0 INTs
- Lamar Jackson’s passing yards: 187, 2 INTs, 1 fumble lost
- Time of possession: Bengals 37:12, Ravens 22:48
- Previous head-to-head record: Bengals 1-8 in last 9 games vs. Ravens
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Joe Burrow’s return impact the Bengals’ offensive strategy?
Burrow’s return gave the Bengals a rhythm they hadn’t had since Week 8. He operated with precision, hitting deep routes to Ja’Marr Chase and using play-action to exploit Baltimore’s aggressive linebackers. His ability to extend plays with his feet opened up running lanes for Chase Brown, who finished with 89 yards on 18 carries. Without Burrow’s poise, Cincinnati’s offense would’ve struggled to move the chains consistently.
Why were the Ravens’ turnovers so costly in this game?
Each of Baltimore’s five turnovers led directly to Bengals points — 21 of their 32 came off takeaways. The 67-yard interception return by Daxton Hill was the game’s turning point, turning a 14-10 lead into a 21-10 advantage. With the Ravens’ offense already struggling to sustain drives, giving the ball away repeatedly killed any chance of a comeback. Turnovers like these are often the difference between playoff contention and postseason elimination.
What role did Nate Wiggins’ absence play in the Ravens’ defensive collapse?
Wiggins, Baltimore’s top cornerback, missed the game due to a hamstring injury, forcing Marlon Humphrey into a one-on-one matchup against Ja’Marr Chase — a mismatch the Bengals exploited repeatedly. Chase had six receptions for 128 yards and two touchdowns, largely because no Ravens defender could keep up. Wiggins’ absence exposed a depth issue that could haunt Baltimore in the playoffs if not addressed.
How does this win affect the AFC North standings?
The Bengals and Ravens are now tied at 7-5, but Cincinnati holds the head-to-head tiebreaker after this victory. With the Steelers at 6-6 and the Browns at 4-8, the Bengals are now firmly in the playoff conversation. A win against Cleveland next week could push them into first place. For Baltimore, falling behind in the division means they’ll need to win their remaining games and hope for help — a tall order after this loss.
Is this win a sign the Bengals are turning a corner?
Absolutely. After losing eight of nine to the Ravens, this win wasn’t just about points — it was about belief. The offensive line held up under pressure. The defense created game-changing plays. Burrow looked like himself again. If they can maintain this level of execution against the Browns and then the Titans in Week 15, they’re not just a wildcard contender — they’re a legitimate threat to reach the AFC Championship.
What’s the significance of Ryan Rehkow’s performance on special teams?
Rehkow’s flawless snaps and holds — including the critical 31-yard field goal — ensured the Bengals didn’t lose points on special teams, something that’s haunted them in close games this season. In a game decided by 18 points, every point matters. Rehkow’s reliability under pressure gave kicker Evan McPherson the confidence to make all four of his attempts, including a 52-yarder in the fourth quarter. Special teams don’t make headlines, but they win games.
