In this highly anticipated matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Baltimore Ravens, both teams boasting winning records against the spread (ATS), we delve into the key fantasy player matchups and provide insights into the player props for Thursday’s game. This article aims to break down the quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end positions to help you make informed decisions on prop bets.

Game Lines and Trends:

The Baltimore Ravens enter the game as 3.5 favorites at home versus their divisional rival the Cincinnati Bengals. The over/under this week sits at 46 points. The Ravens have been 6-4 ATS this year while the Bengals have not been far behind with a 5-4 record. The Bengals, however, are coming into Baltimore short-handed with no Tee Higgins and no Sam Hubbard. Except for the Cleveland Browns last week, the Ravens hadn’t allowed more than 22 points to any one opponent at home. This has led to most of Baltimore’s home games hitting the under on 46.

Quarterbacks: Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson

1. Joe Burrow: My QB10 despite a tough matchup against the Ravens’ defense. Burrow has been in exceptional form recently, consistently surpassing his passing yardage prop of 256.5 and 1.5 passing touchdown marks. With a 6-3 record against the Ravens, Burrow has historically performed well against them.

2. Lamar Jackson: Jackson, ranked as my QB5, faces the Bengals’ defense that has allowed the 12th most passing yards and fifth most quarterback rushing yards. While he has struggled in a few recent games, Jackson has exceeded his passing yards mark of 220.5 in four out of six games.

Running Backs: Joe Mixon, Keaton Mitchell, and Gus Edwards

1. Joe Mixon: My RB15, as Cincinnati’s primary running back, Mixon has been reliable in terms of receiving yards but has fallen short of his rushing yardage prop mark of 54.5 in recent games. The Ravens, known for their strong run defense, will pose a challenge for Mixon. However, with the absence of Tee Higgins, and Mixon’s latest trend of hitting over the receiving yards prop of 21.5, we would take the over here.

2. Gus Edwards: Edwards, my RB18, has consistently surpassed his rushing yards prop mark of 45.5 in seven out of ten games, making him a solid choice for prop bets. Against the Bengals, who allow the 13th most rushing yards to running backs, Edwards may excel and is a must-start.

3. Keaton Mitchell: With the potential for increased opportunities, Mitchell, my RB31, has shown explosiveness and could be a wildcard in this game. He brought his snaps to within 4% of Justice Hill last week. Keep an eye on his usage to continue to grow and consider his potential in prop bets.

Wide Receivers: Ja’Marr Chase, Tyler Boyd, Zay Flowers, Odell Beckham Jr, and Rashod Bateman

1. Ja’Marr Chase: As the Bengals’ top wide receiver, Chase, my WR5, has consistently exceeded his receiving yardage mark of 85.5. With Tee Higgins potentially out for the game, Chase should receive a significant target share. The Ravens on paper only allow the 11th-fewest receiving yards, but they will be without top corner Marlon Humphrey.

2. Zay Flowers: Although the Bengals have allowed the 13th most receiving yards to WRs, Zay Flowers, my WR36, has been underwhelming of late. He has been under his receiving yardage prop of 53.5 in 3 of his last 5 games. Over the past four weeks, he has been the WR49 in fantasy to boot. Flowers is not a must-play in lineups this week and we are taking the under. 

3. OBJ (Odell Beckham Jr.): While he may not be fantasy-relevant, Beckham has surpassed his yardage mark of 25.5 in four out of his last 5 games.

4. Rashod Bateman: Essentially identical to OBJ in both fantasy relevancy and player props. Bateman also has a 25.5 receiving yards prop that he has hit the over on the last 4 games in a row. A nice Bateman/OBJ parlay could be a sneaky value on TNF.

Tight Ends: Mark Andrews, Tanner Hudson, and Irv Smith

1. Mark Andrews: Ranked as my TE3, Andrews has consistently exceeded his receiving yardage prop mark of 54.5 in five out of the last seven games. Against the Bengals, who have allowed the fourth-most yards to tight ends, Andrews could have a significant bounce back.

2. Irv Smith/Tanner Hudson: There is a two-way committee forming in the Bengals’ tight end room. Perhaps could be leaning Hudson’s way moving forward. Last week Hudosn played 36% of snaps to Irv Smith’s 32%. Neither are fantasy relevant to date, but keep an eye out in the coming weeks.

For more content from Dan Mader, host of the MD’s Fantasy Football Show, visit the YouTube channel, or get the edge by viewing his industry-accurate rankings here.