CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals took advantage of four Ravens turnovers to build a commanding lead and hold off a late surge by Baltimore to win 27-16 on Sunday.
The win locked up the AFC North Division for the Bengals and the third seed in the playoffs and face the sixth seed next Sunday at home.
Their opponent? The Baltimore Ravens.
The Bengals (12-4) returned to the field where, six days earlier, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest during the first quarter. The terrifying scene led to the game being canceled.
Baltimore came into the game without its two top quarterbacks. Lamar Jackson, who hasn’t practiced since his knee injury on Dec. 4 against the Broncos, and backup Tyler Huntley was inactive on Sunday as he his banged up. It's unclear whether or not Jackson will be available for the playoffs.
The Ravens (10-7) tried to rally behind rookie third-stringer Anthony Brown, who had only five passes all season prior to making his first NFL start.
Even with a slim chance of a home playoff game, Ravens coach John Harbaugh decided to rest two of the his top offensive weapons, Mark Andrews and J.K. Dobbins.
After taking a 3-0 lead off an Evan McPherson field goal, safety Jessie Bates III would intercept a long pass attempt by Brown on the Ravens first play of their second possession.
Joe Burrow would complete four of his six passes on the ensuing drive, that was capped off by Joe Mixon's 1-yard plunge to give the Bengals a 10-0 lead.
Burrow finished 25 of 42 for 215 yards and a touchdown, although he struggled for most of the second half.
On the Ravens following possession, Brown would get picked off again, this time Mike Hilton would be the recipient of the errant pass.
The Bengals would convert the turnover into points three plays later, as Burrow would throw a strike to Ja'Marr Chase for a 26-yard score and a 17-0 lead for Cincinnati.
Brown would commit his third turnover of the half, as Trey Hendrickson would force the ball loose on a sack in Ravens end zone. Joseph Ossai would jump on the ball to give Cincinnati a 24-7 lead at halftime.
Justin Tucker would kick three field goals in the second half to cut the Bengals lead to 27-16. But Baltimore's comeback hopes would be dashed when Sammy Watkins would have the ball stripped from him by Jesse Bates after a 47-yard gain with three minutes remaining in the game.
Brown finished the day 19 of 44 for 286 yards. Isaiah Likely caught eight balls for 103 yards.
Chase lead all Cincinnati receivers with 86 yards on eight receptions.
Baltimore 0 7 6 3 = 16
Cincinnati 10 14 3 0 = 27
First Quarter CIN—Evan McPherson 34 field goal, 5:01. CIN—Joe Mixon 1 run (Evan McPherson kick), 1:11.
Second Quarter CIN—Ja'Marr Chase 26 pass from Joe Burrow (Evan McPherson kick), 14:12. BAL—Kenyan Drake 4 run (Justin Tucker kick), 1:57. CIN—Joseph Ossai fumble recovery in end zone (Evan McPherson kick), 0:30. Third Quarter BAL—Justin Tucker 26 field goal, 10:34. CIN—Evan McPherson 26 field goal, 6:27. BAL—Justin Tucker 51 field goal, 1:59. Fourth Quarter BAL—Justin Tucker 27 field goal, 12:17.
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