It doesn’t get much bigger than this with Bengals vs. Ravens 2.0. Sunday’s clash between the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens is essentially an elimination game; the loser can start thinking about the offseason. Cincinnati comes in encouraged despite a loss, as Joe Burrow carved up the Bills, while Baltimore is searching for answers after Lamar Jackson and the offense stalled against Pittsburgh. With urgency on both sidelines, expect the stars to shine.
Matchup Breakdown
These AFC North rivals know each other well, and that familiarity often leads to fantasy fireworks. Cincinnati will lean on Burrow’s arm and elite wideouts, while Baltimore looks to reassert its physical identity with Derrick Henry and quick-hitting passes to its playmakers. For fantasy managers, this is a game to trust proven volume and talent.
Bengals Starts
Joe Burrow (QB, Bengals)
Burrow was electric last week, lighting up the Bills even in a losing effort. He’s locked in, healthy, and fearless, and the Ravens’ secondary has shown cracks. Burrow is a strong QB1 with multi-touchdown upside.
Chase Brown (RB, Bengals)
Brown continues to separate himself in the backfield. He led the team in carries and found the end zone last week, and this is no longer a split situation. His workload alone makes him a solid RB2 with upside.
Don’t be surprised if … Brock Purdy, Chase Brown are league winners down the stretch – Eric Karabell via ESPNhttps://www.espn.com/fantasy/football/story/_/id/47280294/2025-fantasy-football-surprises-sleepers-busts-start-sit-add-drop-week-15
Ja’Marr Chase (WR, Bengals)
Chase consistently saves some of his best performances for Baltimore. The Ravens have struggled to contain him in the past, and with Burrow in rhythm, Chase is an elite must-start WR1.
Derrick Henry (RB, Ravens)
Even in tough matchups, Henry finds space, and this game sets up well for him. Baltimore will want to control the tempo, and Henry’s physical running style should wear down the Bengals. He’s a locked-in RB1.
Zay Flowers (WR, Ravens)
The Bengals simply haven’t had an answer for Flowers. His quickness and usage across the formation make him Lamar’s most reliable target. Expect another strong outing.
Flex Plays
Andrei Iosivas (WR, Bengals)
With Tee Higgins out, Iosivas is going to be asked to step up in a big way. He’ll see increased snaps and red-zone opportunities, making him an intriguing flex with touchdown upside.
Isaiah Likely (TE, Ravens)
Likely was inches away from a monster day last week and realistically could have scored twice. His athleticism gives Baltimore a mismatch, and he’s a strong flex or TE play in this high-stakes matchup.
Darius Slayton, Isaiah Likely Among DFS Sleepers in Week 15 – Alex Blackly via FTN Fantasy
Sits for Ravens
Mark Andrews (TE, Ravens)
Despite the contract and the name value, the production just hasn’t been there. His role has been inconsistent, and Likely has been the more explosive option. Until the usage changes, Andrews is a risky sit in an elimination game.
Final Takeaway
Expect urgency, aggression, and fantasy points. Burrow and Chase headline the Bengals’ attack, while Henry and Flowers anchor Baltimore’s hopes. In a game where both teams are fighting to stay alive, trust the players who will be leaned on the most, and don’t be afraid to fade big names whose production hasn’t matched the hype.
