Joe Burrow is officially back, and with that, the entire Bengals offense has life again. On the other side, the Ravens are still searching for their first win of the new season. These AFC North battles are always physical, emotional, and unpredictable, but this one carries massive fantasy implications from every angle.
Let’s break down who belongs in your lineup for this heavyweight divisional clash.
START ’EM
Lamar Jackson – QB, Ravens
Jackson has hit an uncharacteristic touchdown drought recently, but playing the Bengals is usually the cure for that. Expect him to break the skid with 1 passing TD and 200+ yards, using his legs to extend drives and create opportunities.
Derrick Henry – RB, Ravens
Henry continues to be the heart of Baltimore’s offense, grinding out tough yards and wearing down defenses. He should dominate early touches and is a strong bet to find the end zone again.
Zay Flowers – WR, Ravens
Flowers has been the one truly consistent playmaker for Jackson this season. He’s heating up and should thrive against Cincinnati’s secondary. Expect 80+ yards and a TD as the Ravens funnel touches his direction.
Tee Higgins – WR, Bengals
Joe Flacco lit the fire, but now Burrow returns to keep Higgins rolling. His contested catch ability and chemistry with Burrow make him a solid start this week. Expect steady volume and red-zone looks.
Chase Brown – RB, Bengals
Brown has stacked two excellent games in a row, and the Bengals want to lighten Burrow’s workload by using him heavily. Expect a high-touch game, especially early on.
Joe Burrow – QB, Bengals
Burrow looked sharp returning last week, and with a healthy receiver duo, he’s primed for a strong outing. Expect efficient production as he feeds Higgins, Chase, and Brown.
Ja’Marr Chase – FLEX, Bengals
Back from suspension and reunited with Burrow, Chase should be heavily targeted even if he isn’t at full peak form yet. Pencil him in for strong flex production with blowup potential.
SIT ’EM
Mark Andrews – TE, Ravens
He’ll get a few targets, but this matchup doesn’t favor him breaking out. With Flowers dominating volume and Henry getting goal-line work, Andrews is likely to have a minimal fantasy impact.
Noah Fant – TE, Bengals
Fant simply isn’t involved enough to warrant a start. Cincinnati funnels targets almost exclusively to their top wideouts.
Bengals Defense
This is a tough assignment against a Ravens team that should finally break through offensively. Expect 23+ points allowed, making them an easy sit.
FINAL TAKEAWAY for Ravens vs. Bengals
This rivalry matchup is packed with fantasy upside, with both teams leaning heavily on their star playmakers. Burrow’s return energizes Cincinnati’s entire offense, while Baltimore’s key weapons — Lamar, Henry, and Flowers — all draw favorable usage against a shaky Bengals defense. Expect a competitive, high-scoring AFC North thriller with elite fantasy production across the board.
If you’ve got the stars in this game, get them in your lineup. This one should deliver.
