Thursday Night Football: Bengals at Ravens - Best Props & Picks

Baltimore -3.5, Over/Under 46: Odds from DraftKings Sportsbook as of 11:50am EST 

At last! A Thursday Night Football matchup that should provide an entertaining game AND has playoff implications! We’ve got the Bengals and the Ravens seeking bounce-back wins after both losing on last-second GW FG’s last Sunday. Short rest is a factor with Tee Higgins and Sam Hubbard being listed as OUT for the Bengals, as Ronnie Stanley is also out for the Ravens with Marlon Humphrey as Doubtful, potentially impacting some player props in tonight’s matchup. Let’s get into my best bets for tonight’s game!

CINCY +3.5: This is a really tough one for me, but that +0.5 hook is what has me sold at the moment. This game will be close as both teams desperately need divisional wins in a tight AFC North race and the Bengals need this one a tad bit more than the Ravens after losing to the Texans last week. Worst case, the hook will cover me if there’s a last second 50+ yard FG from the GOAT Justin Tucker.

Lamar Jackson Over 225.5 passing yards -115: Although Lamar is averaging 217.7 passing yards per game, the Bengals have given up an average of 248 pass yards per game and over 225.5 in 4 of the last 5 games, not to mention 237 from Lamar in Week 2 when they played last. Stroud torched the Bengals for 356 last week - wouldn’t expect the Ravens to throw as much as the Texans did, but Lamar should clear this number tonight.

Joe Burrow Over 1.5 Pass TDs -115: With how dominant the Ravens defense has been, particularly their front seven, there will be some added focus on the pass game for the Bengals even with Tee Higgins out. Burrow has passed for 2+ passing TDs in each of his last five games and given the close nature of this game, I expect Burrow to continue that trend.

Justin Tucker Over 1.5 FGs Made +105: Cincy’s defense this year on paper is somewhat confusing - allowing 247.8 pass yards per game, 136.2 rush yards per game…. and only 21.3 points per game? This tells me that even though the yards should result in more points, they’re able to hold teams to field goals and boy is that music to Justin Tucker’s ears, someone who who’s averaging just about two attempts per game. In a close divisional game like this, both teams will be more likely to take their points where they can, and don’t count out Justin Tucker if he’s only getting two attempts this game - he’s the greatest kicker of all time and we’re getting plus money?! No. Brainer.

(Stats used from DraftKings Sportsbook & ESPN Stats & Information)