Bengals vs. Ravens: A Legendary NFL Rivalry’s Tale
The Bengals vs. Ravens rivalry is a legendary feud in the National Football League (NFL) that has stood the test of time. It encompasses the fierce competition and intense battles between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Baltimore Ravens. This fierce competition dates way back to the days of 1996 when the Ravens were established following the relocation of the Cleveland Browns, a team that shares a rivalry with the Bengals as well. The intensity of this rivalry reached new heights in 2003 when the Bengals appointed the esteemed Marvin Lewis, former defensive coordinator for the Ravens, as their head coach.
Since 1996, these two adversaries have clashed twice a year, ever since the Ravens took over the Browns’ place in the former AFC Central Division. Following the NFL realignment in 2002, both teams were placed in the AFC North. The Ravens currently hold the upper hand in the series, with a 29-27 record. However, the Bengals emerged victorious in the teams’ only playoff encounter during the 2022 Wild Card Round.
Are the Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals Rivals
Are the Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals Rivals?
Indeed, the Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals have a longstanding rivalry. This intense competition arises from the fact that both teams are part of the NFL’s AFC North Division, resulting in two annual face-offs during the regular season.
Who are the Cincinnati Bengals’ Biggest Rivals?
In addition to their rivalry with the Ravens, the Bengals share intense rivalries with two other divisional opponents: the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns. The Bengals and the Browns have a long-standing rivalry, famously called the “Battle for Ohio,” that has witnessed an incredible 99 clashes between these two teams on the field.
Who Are the Baltimore Ravens’ Biggest Rivals?
Alongside the Bengals, the Ravens maintain a fierce rivalry with divisional foes: the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns. Furthermore, the Ravens have fostered a spirited competition with the New England Patriots, crossing paths with them multiple times in the NFL Playoffs.
History of Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals
History of Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals
The rivalry between the Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals dates way back to 1996 when the Ravens joined the NFL. Being in the same division, these teams face off twice a season. The inaugural game between the Ravens and Bengals set the stage for an intense rivalry. Overcoming a 21–3 halftime deficit, the Bengals scored 21 unanswered points, winning the 1996 matchup 24–21. Since then, the Ravens and Bengals have maintained a closely contested record, with the Ravens holding a slight advantage of 28–27.
Despite the Ravens having a winning record, the Bengals secured a significant victory in the 2022 NFL Wild Card Round, defeating the Ravens 24–17 in their first playoff encounter. This rivalry, spanning 26 years, has witnessed numerous memorable moments. In 2004, the Bengals made a remarkable comeback from a 17-point deficit, defeating the Ravens 27–26. In 2007, a memorable moment unfolded when Chad Johnson (also known as Ochocinco), the wide receiver for the Bengals, caught the opening touchdown pass. He was seen wearing a striking yellow/gold jacket adorned with the phrase “Future H.O.F 20??” on the back.
The 2013 game also left a lasting impression when Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton threw a Hail Mary pass to A.J. Green on the last play of regulation, leading to an overtime clash eventually won by the Ravens, 20–17. The 2017 season saw the Bengals prevent the Ravens from making the playoffs by defeating them in week 17, adding fuel to the rivalry.
Over the past few years, the Ravens and the Bengals have captured the spotlight thanks to their impressive young quarterbacks, Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow. These exceptional signal-callers, both in their mid-20s, are widely recognized as the NFL’s promising stars of tomorrow.
Where Do the Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals Play?
Baltimore Ravens M&T bank stadium
Located in Baltimore, Maryland, the M&T Bank Stadium is the home of the Baltimore Ravens. With a seating capacity of over 71,000, this iconic venue is affectionately known as “The Bank.”
Bengals Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio
The Cincinnati Bengals proudly call Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, their home turf. Formerly known as the Paul Brown Stadium, this iconic venue has been the cherished home of the Bengals since the days of its inauguration in 2000.
Notable Games Between Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals.jpg
Notable Games Between Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals
- November 3, 1996: Bengals 24, Ravens 21 In the inaugural game of the series, the Ravens held a commanding 21–3 lead at halftime. However, the Bengals responded with a remarkable comeback, scoring 21 unanswered points in the second half to secure a thrilling 24–21 victory.
- October 19, 2003: Bengals 34, Ravens 26 This game marked Bengals’ head coach Marvin Lewis’ first encounter with the Ravens since his tenure as their defensive coordinator from 1996 to 2001, which included their Super Bowl XXXV triumph in 2000.
- December 5, 2004: Bengals 27, Ravens 26 Overcoming a daunting 20–3 deficit in the fourth quarter, the Bengals orchestrated a remarkable turnaround to secure a nail-biting 27–26 win.
- September 10, 2007: Bengals 27, Ravens 20 This season-opening Monday Night Football clash will always be remembered for Bengals’ WR Chad Johnson’s iconic touchdown celebration. Following a score, Johnson donned a gold jacket resembling those awarded to Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees, with “Future H.O.F. 20??” emblazoned on the back.
November 10, 2013 Ravens 20, Bengals 17
- November 10, 2013: Ravens 20, Bengals 17 The Ravens established a commanding 17–0 lead at halftime, only to face an impressive comeback from the Bengals, who tied the game at 17–17 with two seconds remaining. In a dramatic final play of regulation, Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton launched a 49-yard Hail Mary pass, initially tipped but ultimately caught by wide receiver A. J. Green to force overtime. However, the Ravens ultimately prevailed with a 20–17 victory.
- September 7, 2014: Bengals 23, Ravens 16 Bengals kicker Mike Nugent made NFL history by successfully kicking five field goals in the first half, equaling the record for the most field goals kicked in a half.
Bengals vs. Ravens December 31, 2017
- On December 31, 2017, in the last game of the regular season, Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton orchestrated a remarkable touchdown pass to Tyler Boyd in the final seconds. This unexpected triumph not only eliminated the Ravens from playoff contention but also secured an improbable victory for the Bengals, who finished the season at 7-9.
- November 18, 2018: Ravens 24, Bengals 21 The 2018 matchup marked a significant milestone as Ravens’ first-round draft pick Lamar Jackson made his debut as quarterback, breaking the franchise rushing record for a QB with an impressive 117 yards. Moreover, it marked the final game in the series for Marvin Lewis, who departed from the Cincinnati franchise at the end of the season.
- December 26, 2021: Bengals 41, Ravens 21 In 2021, the Bengals achieved a season-sweep over the Ravens with an emphatic 41–21 victory on their home turf. Quarterback Joe Burrow shone in this game, setting a Bengals franchise record with an exceptional 525 passing yards.
- AFC Wild Card Round January 15, 2023: Bengals 24, Ravens 17 This historic playoff showdown marked the first postseason encounter in the storied rivalry. Cincinnati’s Sam Hubbard etched his name in NFL history with a sensational 98-yard fumble return, fondly referred to as the “Fumble in the Jungle,” solidifying the Bengals’ triumphant 24–17 victory.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ravens vs. Bengals
When did the Ravens and Bengals first meet?
The Ravens and Bengals first faced off on November 3, 1996.
How many times have the Ravens and Bengals played against each other? (As of October 2023)
They have played against each other 56 times.
What is the largest victory in a Ravens vs. Bengals game?
The largest victory in a Ravens vs. Bengals game was when the Ravens won 37-0 in 2000.
What is the longest win streak in Ravens vs. Bengals history?
The Ravens achieved a win streak of 6 games from 1998 to 2000.
What is Lamar Jackson’s record against the Cincinnati Bengals?
Throughout his career, Lamar Jackson has displayed impressive dominance with a record of 7 wins and 2 losses against the Bengals.
Why do Bengals and Ravens have a rivalry?
The Bengals-Ravens rivalry is a storied NFL feud between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Baltimore Ravens. It originated in 1996 when the Ravens materialized following the relocation of the Cleveland Browns, who coincidentally share a rivalry with the Bengals. The intensity of this rivalry reached new heights in 2003 with the appointment of Marvin Lewis, a former Ravens defensive coordinator, as the Bengals’ head coach.
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