6 Bengals defenders hoping to ruin Thanksgiving for the Ravens' flock

This is about to be an interesting three weeks. Three divisional games for the Baltimore Ravens. Each has high implications. A December 7th home date vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers sits between a pair of dates with the Cincinnati Bengals.

The first comes on Thanksgiving as a nightcap. Joe Burrow is set to make his first start since September, so lovers of great quarterback play are in for a treat. Standing on the other side is Lamar Jackson. How's that for a duel?

There will also be no shortage of action when Baltimore's offense is on the field vs. Cincinnati's defense. Trey Hendrickson won't be playing. That gives Baltimore one less thing to worry about, but don't celebrate yet. The Bengals' defense is loaded with star power.

Jordan Battle and Geno Stone, safeties

Not long ago, many of us criticized the Bengals for their handling of Jessie Bates' situation. However, looking at the present, they may now have one of the best safety duos we've seen in a while.

Jordan Battle (82) and Geno Stone (80) lead all Bengals defenders in total tackles. Stone ranks first in solo stops. Battle ranks fifth. They've combined for three tackles for loss, a sack, seven pass breakups, five interceptions, and a pick-six. They are worth the price of admission and should be a handful on Thursday.

Demetrius Knight Jr., linebacker

He's one of the best players on what has been an underachieving defense. Demetrius Knight Jr. has racked up 78 tackles, including a TFL and 41 solo stops. Five pass breakups and an interception highlight the rest of his stat line.

A second-round draft choice last April, he seems to be the real deal if he stays healthy. He figures to irritate the Ravens for years, and he gets his first taste of this rivalry on Thursday.

Dax Hill, cornerback

The Bengals' starting outside cornerbacks are D.J. Turner II and Dax Hill. The former has collected 29 tackles, 15 pass breakups, and two interceptions. The latter, Hill, has chipped in with 68 tackles, four pass breakups, and a pick of his own.

Myles Murphy, EDGE

The Bengals and Ravens have a similar issue. Neither can consistently put pressure on the opposing quarterback. Baltimore has 18 sacks on the season. Cincinnati has been even worse.

Hendrickson is responsible for four of the Bengals' 15 total sacks. That leads everyone on the roster. The two following highest totals have come from Myles Murphy (2.5) and the last guy on this list.

Joseph Ossai, EDGE

Remember the name Kris Jenkins this Thursday (1.5 sacks on the campaign), and remember to keep tabs on Joseph Ossai. The latter has added 31 tackles, including six for loss, and three sacks to the bottom line.

Final thoughts

The Bengals have a lot of talent, but that doesn't stop them from giving up a ton of points. Baltimore will have plenty of opportunities to score in this one.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: 6 Bengals defenders hoping to ruin Thanksgiving for the Ravens' flock