A few weeks ago, a Thanksgiving night game featuring Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow didn’t seem like it would deliver much drama. The Cincinnati Bengals were struggling without their star QB, the Baltimore Ravens were rolling, and the matchup felt more like a scheduling obligation than a marquee primetime event. But everything has changed. Now the holiday showdown serves up one of the NFL’s most compelling storylines of the season: Burrow’s long-awaited return from injury, Jackson’s continued dominance over Cincinnati, and the renewal of one of football’s most intense divisional rivalries.
Thanksgiving Game Raises the Stakes in Bengals-Ravens Rivalry
The Bengals enter the night with a 3-8 record and slim playoff hopes, but the anticipated return of Burrow injects new intrigue. Burrow has not played since suffering torn toe ligaments in Week 2, but head coach Zac Taylor said on November 24 that he “anticipates” Burrow starting. While Taylor stopped short of full confirmation, Burrow sent his own message with a simple Instagram post shared by the NFL: “He’s Back.”
Burrow’s presence revives long-running comparisons with Lamar Jackson, who has historically owned the Bengals. Jackson holds a commanding 10-2 career record against Cincinnati and has produced some of his most memorable highlights in matchups with the Bengals. Jackson’s spin move touchdown in 2019 remains one of the most iconic plays of his career, and in 2024 alone, he recorded eight touchdowns against Cincinnati.
“Lamar is doing what he needs to win football games,” Ravens head coach John Harbaugh told reporters when asked about Jackson’s health. Despite battling knee soreness, an ankle issue, and now a toe injury, Jackson has refused to use injuries as an excuse.
“I’m good,” he said when asked about his status. Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers echoed the sentiment, explaining he “can’t really tell” if Jackson is hampered.
Lamar Jackson vs Joe Burrow: A History of Big Wins and High Drama
Since entering the league in 2020, Burrow has helped Cincinnati reshape the AFC North.
After his 2021 breakout season, Burrow led the Bengals to a 10-7 record and three straight playoff victories, culminating in a Super Bowl appearance. While Jackson owns more AFC North titles, Burrow owns more postseason wins (5-2 compared to Jackson’s 3-5).
In 2022, Burrow led Cincinnati to another division title, though the team played only 16 games after a canceled matchup following Damar Hamlin’s medical emergency. In the playoffs, the Bengals defeated the Ravens — though Jackson was unavailable for that matchup, leaving fans wanting a true postseason showdown.
In recent seasons, Jackson has reclaimed divisional dominance, guiding Baltimore to back-to-back AFC North titles while Cincinnati stalled at 9-8. This year, the two quarterbacks meet under unique circumstances: Burrow, fresh from weeks on the sidelines, and Jackson, working through multiple injuries but still performing at an elite level.
Burrow has made it clear he intends to play. Taylor emphasized on Monday, “We anticipate him returning,” giving the Bengals their best chance to compete.
Jackson, meanwhile, continues to practice sparingly as Baltimore manages his toe soreness, but Harbaugh reiterated he plans for Jackson to hit the field.
Lamar Jackson and the Ravens take on (hopefully) Joe Burrow and the Bengals, Thursday, November 24, at 8:20 p.m. EST.
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