In a frigid Paycor Stadium showdown on December 14, 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals suffered a humiliating 24-0 shutout loss to the Baltimore Ravens, officially eliminating them from playoff contention for the third straight season. The defeat dropped the Bengals to 4-10, capping one of the most disappointing campaigns in recent franchise history amid high preseason expectations.

The Ravens (7-7) avenged their 32-14 Thanksgiving loss to Cincinnati just weeks earlier, delivering what coach John Harbaugh called their most complete performance of the year. Lamar Jackson, efficient on a cold day with temperatures around 10 degrees and wind chill below zero, completed 8 of 12 passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns—both in the first half. He connected with rookie running back Rasheen Ali for a 30-yard score and Zay Flowers for a 28-yard strike, building a 14-0 halftime lead. Derrick Henry pounded out 100 yards on 11 carries, controlling the ground game.

Cincinnati's offense, despite possessing the ball for nearly 40 minutes and running 71 plays, managed just 298 yards and no points—the first shutout of Joe Burrow's career. Burrow went 24-of-39 for 225 yards but threw two costly interceptions, including a fourth-quarter pick-six returned 95 yards (with a lateral) by Kyle Van Noy and Alohi Gilman that sealed the game at 24-0 after a field goal. Ja'Marr Chase hauled in 10 catches for 132 yards, but the Bengals repeatedly stalled in scoring position, missing receiver Tee Higgins (concussion protocol).

Baltimore's defense dominated, sacking Burrow three times and forcing turnovers. The win kept the Ravens half a game behind Pittsburgh in the AFC North, fueling their playoff push after a 1-5 start. For Cincinnati, the blowout underscored defensive woes (last in the NFL in yards and points allowed) and offensive inconsistencies, shifting focus to a pivotal offseason.

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Music from #InAudio: https://inaudio.org/

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