Joe Burrow returned to the lineup Thursday night and Cincinnati used his comeback to power a 32-14 victory over the Baltimore Ravens in the final game of the Thanksgiving slate. Burrow completed 24 of 46 passes for 261 yards and two third-quarter touchdown throws, finishing the night with seven catches to Ja’Marr Chase for 110 yards. The Bengals converted key defensive takeaways and special-team points — including six field goals from Evan McPherson — to turn a tight first half into a decisive win. The result moves Cincinnati to 4-8 while Baltimore falls to 6-6 ahead of a divisional showdown with Pittsburgh.
Key Takeaways
- The final score was 32-14 in favor of Cincinnati; Joe Burrow threw two touchdown passes, both in the third quarter.
- Burrow’s line: 24-of-46, 261 yards; Ja’Marr Chase finished with seven receptions for 110 yards.
- Evan McPherson made all six of his field-goal attempts from 31, 42, 24, 33, 52 and 41 yards.
- Cincinnati’s defense forced five turnovers and added a turnover on downs to swing the game.
- Lamar Jackson went 17-of-32 for 246 yards with 27 rushing yards, and committed three turnovers (two lost fumbles, one interception).
- Tanner Hudson and Andrei Iosivas caught Burrow’s two touchdown passes; Iosivas’s score gave the Bengals a 26-14 lead with 15 seconds left in the third quarter.
- The Bengals are 4-8 and will visit the Buffalo Bills in Week 14; the Ravens sit 6-6 and will host the Pittsburgh Steelers next Sunday.
Background
The Bengals entered the game seeking momentum after a difficult stretch and with Joe Burrow working his way back from injury. Burrow’s availability was a focal point for Cincinnati’s offense, since his timing and connection with primary targets like Ja’Marr Chase have been central to the team’s scoring ability this season. Baltimore came in as the AFC North contender that needed to protect home-field advantage in division play; Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat skill set typically forces opponents to account for both the run and the pass. Historically, turnovers have been decisive in Bengals–Ravens matchups, and the teams both understood that ball security would be pivotal on Thursday night.
The matchup also carried broader implications for both clubs’ playoff hopes. Cincinnati, at 4-8, remains mathematically alive but faces an uphill climb in the AFC. Baltimore’s 6-6 record leaves it vulnerable in a tight division where every game against Pittsburgh and other AFC North rivals changes the standings. Special teams and complementary defense have been areas of focus for Cincinnati this year, and the team entered the contest needing cleaner red-zone execution. Conversely, the Ravens needed a stabilizing offensive performance from Jackson to maintain momentum in the middle of the season.
Main Event
The game opened as a competitive, defensive battle with the Bengals squandering a goal-to-go chance in the first half after recovering a Lamar Jackson fumble at the Baltimore 2-yard line. Cincinnati ran once and followed with three incompletions, ultimately turning the ball over on downs instead of cashing in with a touchdown. That missed opportunity kept the score close through the first half and underscored Cincinnati’s red-zone struggles early on.
Burrow shifted the tide in the third quarter. He found Tanner Hudson on a 14-yard touchdown throw where Hudson secured the ball as he went to the turf, giving the Bengals a lift. On the very next Cincinnati possession, Andrei Iosivas took a pass into the end zone to extend the lead to 26-14 with 15 seconds left in the period. Those two strikes were the difference-maker, as the Bengals built separation late in the second half.
Evan McPherson’s consistent leg added to Cincinnati’s advantage; he connected on all six field-goal attempts from 31, 42, 24, 33, 52 and 41 yards. McPherson’s reliability turned stalled drives into points and forced Baltimore to play from behind. On defense, the Bengals pried the ball loose frequently, creating five turnovers plus a turnover on downs that repeatedly flipped field position and scoring potential.
Lamar Jackson managed 246 passing yards on 17 of 32 attempts and added 27 yards on six carries, but his three turnovers — two lost fumbles and an interception — undermined Baltimore’s comeback chances. Isaiah Likely fumbled just before crossing the goal line and the ball went out of the end zone, resulting in a touchback and wiping out what would have been a touchdown. Zay Flowers additionally lost a fumble and had a long reception negated by offensive pass interference earlier in the game.
Analysis & Implications
Cincinnati’s defensive performance was the clearest takeaway: forcing five turnovers against a Lamar Jackson-led offense is an outlier this season and highlights improved situational play. That turnover differential translated directly into points, either through McPherson’s field goals or by setting up the offense with more favorable field position. For a Bengals team still fighting for relevance in the AFC, those types of complementary performances are essential to any late-season push.
Joe Burrow’s return provides both a short-term offensive upgrade and a longer-term litmus test for Cincinnati’s passing game. Burrow completed only about half his attempts, but his two touchdown connections and the 110 yards to Ja’Marr Chase show the core passing relationships remain intact. Consistency in the red zone and fewer short-field failures will be required if Cincinnati wants to convert close games into more wins during the stretch run.
For Baltimore, the loss raises questions about ball security and penalties at critical moments. Jackson’s three turnovers, including two lost fumbles, are uncharacteristic for a unit that often controls games with explosive plays and clock management. The narrow margin in the AFC North means Pittsburgh’s upcoming visit gains outsized importance; the Ravens can ill afford more miscues against divisional rivals.
Comparison & Data
| Team | Score | Turnovers | Top Passer (Yds) | Key Kicker |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati Bengals | 32 | 5 forced | Joe Burrow (261) | Evan McPherson (6 FGs) |
| Baltimore Ravens | 14 | 3 committed | Lamar Jackson (246) | — |
The turnover margin and special-teams scoring separate the two teams in this matchup. While yardage totals were similar, Cincinnati converted defensive success and McPherson’s field goals into a multi-score advantage. Comparing this game to recent meetings, the decisive factor remains takeaways: the side that forces turnovers has frequently won in this pairing over the past seasons.
Reactions & Quotes
The Bengals emphasized the collective nature of the win, pointing to defense and special teams as decisive factors rather than a single offensive hero. The team framed Burrow’s return as a catalyst but not the sole reason for the victory.
We played complementary football tonight — defense, special teams and offense all did their part.
Zac Taylor, Cincinnati Bengals (Head Coach)
Baltimore staff acknowledged the turnover issues and the timing of the mishaps that swung momentum. The coaching staff highlighted the need for cleaner ball security and fewer penalties as they prepare for a key divisional game next week.
Turnovers changed the complexion of the game; we have to eliminate those mistakes moving forward.
John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens (Head Coach)
An independent analyst noted that McPherson’s flawless field-goal night and the defense’s takeaways are signs of a team that can win while the offense regains full strength. Analysts cautioned, however, that one game does not erase earlier inconsistencies.
Special teams and turnovers won this one — sustainable offense will determine whether this is a turning point.
NFL Analyst (Television)
Unconfirmed
- Whether Cincinnati’s turnover-forcing performance marks a sustained defensive turnaround remains uncertain — more games are needed to confirm a trend.
- Long-term effects of any minor injuries sustained during the game have not been officially disclosed and remain unconfirmed at the time of this report.
Bottom Line
Cincinnati’s 32-14 victory was the product of a balanced night: Joe Burrow’s return gave the offense a lift, Evan McPherson supplied all the kicking points, and the defense forced multiple turnovers to tilt field position. The win keeps the Bengals technically in the postseason conversation at 4-8, but meaningful recovery will require more consistent offensive production and fewer red-zone failures.
For Baltimore, the loss exposes ball-security vulnerabilities and increases pressure ahead of a critical divisional matchup with Pittsburgh. The immediate focus for the Ravens will be correction of turnovers and discipline in penalty situations if they hope to preserve their standing in the AFC North.