Few rivalries in modern NFL football combine intensity, tactical brilliance, and sheer star power like the Cincinnati Bengals vs Baltimore Ravens matchup. Each season, these divisional clashes deliver highlight-reel performances, bruising defensive battles, and quarterback duels worthy of prime-time billing. In 2024, the two franchises renewed their rivalry in unforgettable fashion — giving fans two thrilling games that combined offensive fireworks, defensive grit, and plenty of statistical milestones.
This article takes a detailed look at the player stats and key moments from these contests, offering insights into how each side fared and what the numbers reveal about the balance of power in the AFC North.
Setting the Stage: The Rivalry Context
The Bengals-Ravens rivalry began in 1996 when Baltimore re-entered the league after relocating from Cleveland. Over the years, the Ravens built their reputation on defense — the Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Terrell Suggs era defining their identity — while the Bengals evolved into an offensive juggernaut led by Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase.
By 2024, both teams had Super Bowl aspirations. The Ravens were retooled under coach John Harbaugh, featuring a newly acquired running back in Derrick Henry, while Cincinnati looked to rebound from a frustrating 2023 season and reclaim the AFC North throne.
The stage was set. The results? Two instant classics — one ending in overtime, the other decided by a single point — and a season’s worth of highlight reels.
Game 1: October 6 2024 — Ravens 41, Bengals 38 (OT)
The first clash in Baltimore was a shootout from start to finish. Both quarterbacks, Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow, combined for nearly 800 total yards of offense, setting the tone for what would become one of the most statistically explosive games of the year.
Joe Burrow: Precision Under Pressure
Burrow completed 32 of 50 passes for 405 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. His ability to stay calm under pressure was evident, particularly on third-down conversions where he completed 8 of 11 attempts. Even though he was sacked four times by Baltimore’s aggressive pass rush, his command of the offense kept Cincinnati competitive until the final whistle.
Ja’Marr Chase: Pure Dominance
Chase proved why he remains one of the league’s premier wideouts. He recorded 10 receptions for 187 yards and two touchdowns, torching Baltimore’s secondary with precise route-running and breakaway speed. His 68-yard touchdown in the second quarter was a reminder that no cushion is safe when Burrow and Chase are in sync.
Ravens’ Response: Lamar Jackson’s Dual Threat
Lamar Jackson countered with a masterpiece. He completed 26 of 34 passes for 312 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for 89 yards. His 21-yard scramble on 3rd-and-17 in overtime extended the game-winning drive, eventually capped off by a Justin Tucker field goal. Jackson’s ability to extend plays remains unmatched, and his chemistry with tight end Mark Andrews proved vital throughout the night.
Derrick Henry’s Debut Statement
In his first major divisional test as a Raven, Derrick Henry pounded Cincinnati’s front seven for 104 rushing yards and two touchdowns. While not explosive on every carry, his short-yardage power made the difference in clock control and red-zone execution.
Defensive Takeaways
Baltimore’s linebacker Patrick Queen stood out against his former team, leading with 12 tackles and a key third-down sack. On the Bengals’ side, Trey Hendrickson recorded 1.5 sacks, constantly collapsing the pocket and forcing Jackson to improvise.
Game 2: November 7 2024 — Ravens 35, Bengals 34
If the first game was defined by overtime drama, the rematch in Cincinnati was a fireworks show. The Bengals, desperate to even the series, unleashed their air attack — and Joe Burrow delivered one of the finest performances of his career.
Yet, even with nearly 500 yards of offense, Cincinnati fell just short in a heartbreaking one-point loss.
Joe Burrow’s 428-Yard Spectacle
Burrow finished the night 34 of 56 for 428 yards and four touchdowns, without throwing a single interception. He read Baltimore’s coverage perfectly, dissecting zone schemes and adjusting to blitzes with quick releases. Despite the loss, his 143.7 passer rating for much of the first half underscored his elite play.
Ja’Marr Chase’s Record Night
Chase was virtually unstoppable. His 11 catches for 264 yards and three touchdowns made this performance one for the history books. The chemistry between Burrow and Chase reached peak form; their timing on back-shoulder fades and crossing routes left Baltimore’s cornerbacks reeling. Chase’s 73-yard touchdown in the third quarter was his longest of the season.
Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd Support
Higgins added 7 receptions for 91 yards, while Tyler Boyd chipped in 5 for 54 yards and a key third-down conversion. The trio combined for over 400 receiving yards, accounting for nearly all of Cincinnati’s offense.
Lamar Jackson’s Commanding Efficiency
Jackson, while not throwing for the same yardage, was ruthlessly efficient. He completed 25 of 33 passes for 290 yards and four touchdowns, with no interceptions. His quick reads neutralized Cincinnati’s pass rush, and his poise in the pocket showed how far his passing game has evolved under new offensive coordinator Todd Monken.
Mark Andrews: The Chain-Mover
Andrews hauled in 8 receptions for 102 yards and two touchdowns, repeatedly punishing Cincinnati’s linebackers on seam routes. Every time the Bengals closed the gap, Jackson looked to Andrews to restore momentum — and the tight end delivered.
Derrick Henry: Reliable in the Trenches
While not the statistical star this time, Henry still tallied 68 yards and one touchdown on 16 carries. His red-zone presence forced Cincinnati to commit extra defenders, which opened the passing lanes that Jackson exploited.
Statistical Comparison
| Category | Bengals | Ravens |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 470 | 389 |
| Passing Yards | 421 | 290 |
| Rushing Yards | 49 | 99 |
| First Downs | 29 | 23 |
| Third-Down Efficiency | 10/15 (67%) | 8/14 (57%) |
| Turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Time of Possession | 31:45 | 28:15 |
Despite dominating statistically, Cincinnati’s defense couldn’t hold Baltimore in crucial moments. The Ravens’ opportunistic offense, combined with strategic time management, allowed them to escape Paycor Stadium with the win — and the season sweep.
Breaking Down the Key Matchups
Quarterback Duel: Burrow vs Jackson
Few rivalries define modern AFC North football like Burrow vs Jackson. Both quarterbacks embody the evolution of their franchises — Burrow the cerebral field general, Jackson the electrifying improviser.
In 2024, the edge statistically leaned toward Burrow in yardage (833 passing yards across two games), while Jackson took the edge in touchdowns (7 passing TDs, 1 rushing). Their contrasting styles made for compelling viewing: Burrow’s precision vs Jackson’s creativity.
Receiver Dominance: Ja’Marr Chase’s Heroics
Chase’s two-game total of 21 catches, 451 yards, and 5 touchdowns is staggering. He repeatedly torched Baltimore’s secondary and reminded the league that he’s capable of single-handedly flipping a game. In both meetings, he accounted for over 40% of Cincinnati’s offensive production.
Tight End Impact: Mark Andrews’ Reliability
On Baltimore’s side, Andrews served as the safety valve that kept the Ravens’ drives alive. His ability to find soft zones and fight through contact made him the most efficient receiving weapon outside of Jackson himself. His red-zone production (three TDs in two games) was decisive.
Rushing Battle: Power vs Containment
Derrick Henry’s addition to the Ravens introduced a new layer of physicality. His combined 172 yards and 3 TDs across the series forced Cincinnati to load the box, exposing their secondary. Meanwhile, the Bengals’ own ground game lagged — Joe Mixon and Chase Brown combined for under 120 yards total across both games. This imbalance limited Cincinnati’s play-action effectiveness.
Defensive Performances
While offense stole the spotlight, there were notable defensive contributions:
- Patrick Queen: 23 total tackles, 2 sacks, and multiple QB pressures across the two games.
- Roquan Smith: 15 tackles and a crucial fourth-quarter pass deflection.
- Trey Hendrickson: 3 sacks and consistent edge pressure.
- Cam Taylor-Britt: 1 interception returned for a touchdown in the first meeting.
The Ravens’ ability to limit explosive plays late in both games ultimately defined the outcome.
Coaching and Adjustments
John Harbaugh’s Ravens executed perfectly in situational football. His decision to lean on Derrick Henry in short-yardage scenarios and design motion-heavy play-action sequences for Jackson neutralized Cincinnati’s blitz looks.
Meanwhile, Zac Taylor’s offensive play-calling was creative and bold, but Cincinnati’s defensive adjustments lagged behind. In both games, the Bengals surrendered late drives that swung momentum back to Baltimore. The inability to pressure Jackson consistently or contain his scrambles was a recurring issue.
Fan and Media Reactions
NFL analysts praised both matchups as showcases of elite quarterback play. Pundits across ESPN and Pro Football Focus highlighted Burrow’s passing clinic and Jackson’s late-game composure.
Fans, however, viewed the games through the lens of heartbreak versus vindication. Bengals supporters lamented missed defensive stops, while Ravens fans celebrated Lamar Jackson’s validation as both a passer and leader. On social media, Ja’Marr Chase’s stat lines trended for days — his name becoming synonymous with “Ravens killer.”
What the Numbers Reveal
Numbers tell stories, and the 2024 Bengals-Ravens stats reveal several key takeaways:
- Passing Supremacy – Burrow’s accuracy (68%) and deep-ball success rate (> 50% on throws 20+ yards) underline his elite status.
- Defensive Vulnerability – Both teams allowed over 800 yards of total offense in two games, exposing weaknesses that could haunt them in the postseason.
- Clutch Execution – The Ravens outscored the Bengals 20-7 in the fourth quarter and overtime combined — the ultimate difference.
- Red-Zone Efficiency – Baltimore scored touchdowns on 85% of red-zone trips; Cincinnati managed 64%. That 21-point differential across two meetings proved decisive.
Looking Ahead
As both teams look toward the 2025 season, these contests serve as benchmarks. For Cincinnati, improving defensive resilience and diversifying the run game are priorities. For Baltimore, maintaining offensive balance and managing Lamar Jackson’s workload will define their playoff push.
With Burrow and Jackson at the helm, expect this rivalry to headline national broadcasts for years to come. Their individual brilliance ensures that every Bengals-Ravens matchup remains must-watch football — not only for the spectacle but for the statistics that continue to rewrite franchise records.
Final Thoughts
The Bengals vs Baltimore Ravens match player stats tell a story deeper than numbers — a saga of determination, rivalry, and elite athletic performance. Each encounter adds a new chapter to a rivalry defined by mutual respect and competitive fire.
From Burrow’s precision to Jackson’s improvisation, from Chase’s dominance to Henry’s power, these games showcase everything fans love about football: strategy, emotion, and the relentless pursuit of victory.
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