The rivalry began in 1996 when the Ravens were created after the Cleveland Browns, with whom the Bengals also share a rivalry, moved to Baltimore. They were placed in the former AFC Central Division, becoming divisional rivals with the Bengals. Both teams were placed in the AFC North during the 2002 NFL realignment. The rivalry gained intensity in 2003 as the Bengals hired longtime Ravens defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis as head coach.[5]
The Ravens lead the overall series, 32–27. The two teams have met once in the playoffs with the Bengals winning the 2022 AFC Wild Card game.[1]
Notable games
November 3, 1996: Bengals 24, Ravens 21 In the first game in the history of the series, the Ravens took a 21–3 lead into halftime. The Bengals scored 21 unanswered 2nd half points to win 24–21.[6]
October 19, 2003: Bengals 34, Ravens 26 This was Bengals' head coach Marvin Lewis' first game against the Ravens. Lewis previously served as the Ravens defensive coordinator from 1996 to 2001, including their Super Bowl XXXV title in 2000.
December 5, 2004: Bengals 27, Ravens 26 The Bengals overcame a 20–3 fourth quarter deficit to win 27–26.[6]
September 10, 2007: Bengals 27, Ravens 20 This season-opening Monday Night Football game was best remembered for a touchdown celebration by Bengals' WR Chad Johnson, who is known for his touchdown celebrations. After a score, he donned a gold jacket, resembling the jackets given to Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees, that read "Future H.O.F. 20??" on the back.
November 10, 2013: Ravens 20, Bengals 17 The Ravens built a 17–0 lead at halftime before the Bengals rallied to make it 17–10 with two seconds left. In the final play of regulation, Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton threw a 49-yard Hail Mary pass. Despite being initially tipped, wide receiver A. J. Green ran toward the ball and caught it to tie the game at 17–17 at the end of regulation. However, the Ravens would win in overtime, 20–17.[6]
September 7, 2014: Bengals 23, Ravens 16 Bengals kicker Mike Nugent kicked five field goals in the first half, tying an NFL record for most field goals kicked in a half.[6]
December 31, 2017: Bengals 31, Ravens 27 In the final game of the regular season in Baltimore, Bengals QB Andy Dalton threw a go-ahead touchdown pass to Tyler Boyd in the closing seconds to give the Bengals, finishing at 7-9, an improbable win over the now-9–7 Ravens. This win, combined with a Buffalo Bills win that day, eliminated the Ravens from playoff contention.[3]
November 18, 2018: Ravens 24, Bengals 21 Ravens start 2018 first round draft pick Lamar Jackson at quarterback for the first time, he breaks the franchise rushing record for a QB with 117 yards.[7] This marked Marvin Lewis' final game in the series, as he left the Cincinnati franchise at the end of the season.
December 26, 2021: Bengals 41, Ravens 21 In 2021, Cincinnati completed a season-sweep over Baltimore with a 41–21 victory at home. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow threw for 525 yards in this game, setting a Bengals franchise record.[8]
January 15, 2023: Bengals 24, Ravens 17 The first playoff game in the rivalry's history occurred in the 2022 AFC Wild Card Round. Ravens backup quarterback Tyler Huntley fumbled at the goalline, and Sam Hubbard returned it 98 yards for a touchdown. Colloquially known as the "Fumble in the Jungle", it was the longest fumble return in NFL postseason history and the difference in a 24–17 Cincinnati victory.[9]
October 6, 2024: Ravens 41, Bengals 38 Ravens overcome fourth quarter deficit of 10 points to force overtime. Ravens win on a Justin Tucker walk-off field goal. Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow combine for 740 passing yards.[10]
November 7, 2024: Ravens 35, Bengals 34 Ravens overcome third quarter deficit of 14 points and take a 35–28 lead into the game's final minute. The Bengals scored a touchdown with 38 seconds remaining on a Joe Burrow pass to Ja'Marr Chase, but failed a go-ahead two-point conversion to allow the Ravens to secure a 35–34 win. Chase recorded 264 receiving yards and three touchdowns in the loss.[11]
Season-by-season results
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Baltimore Ravens Season-by-Season Results[1]
Both teams finish with 10–6 records, but the Ravens clinch the AFC North based on a better divisional record than the Bengals. Ravens win Super Bowl XLVII.
In Cincinnati, Ravens finished with 404 rushing yards, setting a franchise record for their most rushing yards in a game and fourth-most rushing yards in a game in NFL history.
In Baltimore, Bengals record their largest victory against the Ravens with a 24–point differential. In Cincinnati, Bengals' QB Joe Burrow throws for 525 yards, setting a franchise record for their most passing yards in a game.and fourth-most passing yards in a game in NFL history. Bengals lose Super Bowl LVI.
AFC Wild Card. In the fourth quarter, Ravens' QB Tyler Huntley lost possession of the ball while attempting a QB sneak at the Bengals' 1-yard line. The fumble was picked up and returned 98 yards by Bengals' DE Sam Hubbard, resulting in the game-winning touchdown.
^Marcum, Jason. "Ravens vs. Bengals: Live Scores and Analysis for Baltimore". Bleacher Report. Retrieved November 1, 2019. Round 2 of the Baltimore Ravens' rivalry with the Cincinnati Bengals will take place in Week 8. After losing at home to Cincinnati in Week 1, Baltimore will look to avoid the season-sweep while maintaining their lead in the AFC North.
