6 winners and NO losers from Bengals’ win at Ravens

With their franchise quarterback returning, the Cincinnati Bengals needed a win against the Baltimore Ravens to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. After 60 minutes, they left with a massive 32-14 victory.

It was a strong showing from several players on the big stage.

Joe Burrow: There were a couple of plays where you could tell he hadn’t played in over two months, but overall, Burrow was sharp in his return to action. There didn’t appear to be any real issues with his mobility; he looked sharp for the most part, and it wasn’t due to any apparent limitations in the game plan. Burrow finished the game with 24 completions for 261 yards and two touchdowns and appears primed to try to lead the Bengals on an improbable run.

Ja’Marr Chase: Ja’Marr Chase against the Ravens is always fun. In his first game back from a suspension, Chase hauled in seven passes for 110 yards. While he didn’t find the end zone, Chase impacted the game and looked to be right back in sync with Burrow. Chase was calm, professional, and went about his business without issue in a heated divisional game.

Al Golden: Thursday was easily the best game of the Al Golden era in Cincinnati. His defense forced four turnovers and kept Lamar Jackson uncomfortable for most of the night. Golden hasn’t blitzed much at all this season, but he seemed to dial up the right blitz at the right time all game. For the first time all season, the defense was able to support the offense as they worked to get going. There has been improvement in recent weeks, but Thursday night was easily the unit’s best showing.

Joseph Ossai: In a season where the Bengals have been desperate for pass rush, Ossai showed up big Thursday night. In the first quarter, Ossai sacked Lamar Jackson and forced a fumble that the Bengals would recover on Baltimore’s two-yard line. The turnover didn’t translate in to points, but that isn’t Ossai’s fault. Then, late in the second quarter, Al Golden dialed up pressure, and Ossai had a free run at Jackson, sacking him and forcing a punt. The Bengals would wind up getting a field goal to close the half, giving them a 12-7 lead. Ossai finished with four tackles (three solo), two sacks, and a forced fumble.

Cedric Johnson: Johnson recovered the fumble Ossai forced from Jackson after making a heads-up play to fall on the ball. In the middle of the second quarter, Jackson fumbled again while he was feeling pressure from Johnson, and yet again, Johnson found the ball and recovered. Johnson’s fumble set the Bengals up to kick a field goal before the half. Johnson was shaken up later in the game, but easily put out his best tape as a pro.

Evan McPherson: As the Bengals offense failed to find the end zone in the first half, McPherson was a perfect four of four. After struggling in 2025, McPherson has had a strong 2025 campaign and was the main reason the Bengals went into the half ahead. Midway through the fourth quarter, McPherson connected from 52 yards out to put the Bengals ahead 29-14. McPherson finished a perfect six of six on the night and converted both extra points.

You know what? Nobody. This was a massive win on Thanksgiving night and gives the players and fans hope ahead of a big game in Buffalo next week. No losers to be found.