Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow expressed his displeasure for having to face the Ravens in prime time in their stadium for the fourth consecutive season.
Each season, the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals face off twice. But for the past three — and again in 2025 — the Ravens’ home game will be nationally broadcast, this time on Thanksgiving. And Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow isn’t thrilled about it.
“Playing in Baltimore for the fourth straight prime-time year isn’t ideal,” Burrow said on Tuesday, via ESPN. “Maybe we can get one of those in Cincinnati next year. Please.”
And I have to say, I don’t blame him.
From a fan-supportive position, he’s arguing to play in front of his home crowd in prime time. Nothing unique or wrong about the statement. If the Ravens had to head to Cincinnati the past three and again in 2025, there would be nothing wrong with roles reversed and Lamar Jackson saying he’d want to play the game in Baltimore. Supporting the fan base is obvious.
My second reason for agreement: the Ravens have had twice as many home prime-time games since 2019 than the Bengals (12-6). In six years, the Ravens have averaged two home prime-time games a season to the Bengals’ one. And for two teams that are consistently in the running for the AFC North Division title, splitting the past four would make it just a bit more even.
And finally, the teams’ winning percentages in home prime-time games are equal since 2019 (.833). Under the lights in their own stadium, the Ravens and Bengals are formidable teams. Heading to M&T Bank Stadium for a prime-time game is not a pleasantry. The same goes for opponents at Paycor Stadium.
Any edge a team can get the better. The Ravens have had that edge against the Bengals the past four years. You can’t blame Burrow for wanting to play at home under the lights, rather than heading to Baltimore.