Week 11 of the NFL season kicked off with the Baltimore Ravens (8-3) beating the Cincinnati Bengals (5-5) at M&T Bank Stadium on Thursday Night Football in a battle between two AFC North rivals.
Both Baltimore and Cincinnati, which checked in at fourth and fifth, respectively, in Colin Cowherd‘s latest “Herd Hierarchy” rankings, were coming off narrow losses in Week 10.
Joe Burrow, who’s seemingly recovered from a calf injury that limited him earlier this season, was seen wearing a brace on his right throwing hand while getting off the team bus Wednesday despite being absent from the team’s injury report. Burrow left the game with a right wrist injury, which Bengals coach Zac Taylor said after the game appears to be a sprained wrist.
On the other hand, Ravens All-Pro tight end Mark Andrews left the game in the first quarter with an ankle injury.
[Related: 2023-24 NFL playoff picture, bracket, schedule]
Here are the top moments!
FINAL: Baltimore Ravens 34, Cincinnati Bengals 20
Ravens strike first
Six plays after Lamar Jackson hit wide receiver Zay Flowers, who took off for a 33-yard gain, Gus Edwards ran in a 3-yard touchdown for the Ravens.
Mark Andrews OUT
Baltimore’s star tight end suffered an ankle injury on the opening possession of the game and was later ruled out.
Not today, Rashod
Bengals kicker Evan McPherson missed a 53-yard field goal on the first play of the second quarter, but the Ravens were unable to capitalize on the short field.
On the ensuing possession, Jackson appeared poised to connect with wide receiver Rashod Bateman on a deep ball — potentially for a touchdown — but Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt knocked away the pass. The Ravens later punted.
Mix it up
After forcing Baltimore to punt, Cincinnati put together a 12-play touchdown drive, ending with Burrow hitting running back Joe Mixon for a 4-yard score.
Where’s Jim Harbaugh???
Play was temporarily stopped in the second quarter after a drone was seen flying above the stadium.
Joe Burrow hurt
Burrow appeared hurt after the touchdown pass to Mixon, and the Bengals later announced that he was questionable to return due to a right wrist injury. Jake Browning came in at quarterback.
Right through traffic
Jackson’s pass was tipped but reeled in by wide receiver Nelson Agholor, who ran through the Cincinnati defense for a 37-yard touchdown. Baltimore led 14-10.
May I have this dance?
Late in the second quarter, Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. put the moves on Taylor-Britt and wiggled his way down the sideline for a 21-yard gain.
Squeaking out a TD
Shortly before halftime, Jackson hit Bateman in the back of the end zone for a 10-yard touchdown.
HALFTIME: Ravens 21, Bengals 10
Baltimore out-gained Cincinnati 205-161 in total yards in the first half, with the difference being the former reaching the end zone three times. Meanwhile, Burrow (Bengals) and Andrews (Ravens) each suffered injuries.
Burrow OUT
Cincinnati ruled Burrow (right wrist) out for the rest of the game early in the third quarter. Taylor-Britt was also ruled out with a left quad injury.
Costly PI
A 34-yard pass interference on cornerback Rock Ya-Sin put the ball on the Baltimote 13-yard line for Cincinnati, which later got a field goal off the penalty. The Ravens responded with a drive ending in a field goal, though, and led 24-13 with 4:02 remaining in the third quarter.
OBJ
Beckham hauled in a deep ball and evaded a pair of tackles for a 51-yard gain.
The Gus Bus
Edwards ran in his second touchdown late in the fourth quarter, giving the Ravens a 34-13 lead. This one was a 3-yard score. Ja’Marr Chase then caught a 2-yard touchdown on the following possession for the Bengals, but they still lost.
Pregame scene
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