Roquan Smith can bury Bengals QB Joe Burrow with the blitz

Smith ranks No. 10 in total tackles in 2025

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith is ready to run the AFC North, but first, he must disarm the offensive attack of the Cincinnati Bengals in week 13. Perhaps Smith can convince his defensive coordinator, Zach Orr, to send extensive pressure on quarterback Joe Burrow in his epic Thanksgiving Day return, a key component to watch for to prevent an untimely upset versus an AFC North divisional foe.

The Ravens have allowed opponents just 15 points per game in their last three contests and are gradually improving since the beginning of the season. With that said, the quality of Ravens’ opponents hasn’t been the league’s best, and Smith knows that the upcoming matchup versus the Bengals is an opportunity to make a statement. The Ravens will be afforded health as defensive backs Marlon Humphrey, Kyle Hamilton, and others who were nicked up a few seasons ago are at full strength. This means that Orr can use the pass-rushing prowess of outside linebackers Dre’mont Jones, Mike Green, and Kyle Van Noy to cave in on Burrow’s head.

The Bengals are averaging around 2.2 sacks allowed per game, but rank No. 30 in rushing yards per game. Orr should thus make it a goal to make them one-dimensional, forcing them into down-and-distance situations where the Ravens can exploit the Bengals’ lingering inability to pass protect. With a win, Smith and the Ravens can move consistently into the No. 1 spot in the AFC North with a 7-5 season record. With the Steelers having lost to the Bengals earlier in the year, the Ravens are the only team in the division with an undefeated record against AFC North opponents.