Bengals upset Ravens in Joe Burrow's return: Winners and losersNate Davis, USA TODAYFri, November 28, 2025 at 5:00 AM UTC·5 min readBALTIMORE — On a chilly Thanksgiving night in Charm City, Joe Burrow gave the Cincinnati Bengals a spark. Whether it becomes a playoff flame remains to be seen.
Playing for the first time since he suffered a turf toe injury that required surgery 11 weeks ago, Burrow was good enough to engineer a much-needed 32-14 win over the Baltimore Ravens – though the Bengals (4-8) remain postseason long shots, sitting in 12th place overall in the AFC. The outcome had more immediate consequences for the Ravens, who fell to 6-6 and out of the projected playoff field by ceding first place in the AFC North back to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAsked on NBC’s telecast prior to kickoff why he’d returned to a team with little hope of survival beyond the regular season, Burrow replied: “We’re getting paid a lot of money to play a kid’s game,” adding he wanted to be with his guys − who’d gone 1-8 in his absence.
Now 3-0 with Burrow in the lineup, the Stripes were the obvious winners, their relevance extended at least another 10 days. Yet there were plenty of other winners and losers on Thursday night at M&T Bank Stadium:
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
Week 1: The New England Patriots' Robert Spillane (14) and Christian Elliss (53) tackle Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Raiders won the game, 20-13.
Week 1: New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) fumbles the ball on a tackle by Washington Commanders safety Will Harris (3) during the first quarter at Northwest Stadium. It was a rough Giants debut for Wilson (17 of 37 passing for 168 yards) as the Commanders won the game, 21-6.
Week 1: Fireworks go off before the NFL Kickoff Game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. The defending Super Bowl champion Eagles opened the season with a 24-20 victory over their longtime NFC East rivals.1 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
1 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
2 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: The New England Patriots' Robert Spillane (14) and Christian Elliss (53) tackle Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Raiders won the game, 20-13.3 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) fumbles the ball on a tackle by Washington Commanders safety Will Harris (3) during the first quarter at Northwest Stadium. It was a rough Giants debut for Wilson (17 of 37 passing for 168 yards) as the Commanders won the game, 21-6.4 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: Fireworks go off before the NFL Kickoff Game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. The defending Super Bowl champion Eagles opened the season with a 24-20 victory over their longtime NFC East rivals.WINNERS
Joe Burrow
Playing in near-freezing temperatures on a breezy night and with a protective metal plate in his cleat, he was hardly vintage Burrow. But he warmed up in the second half, throwing both of his touchdown passes after Cincinnati had settled for four first-half field goals. As the toe continues to heal, his rhythm returns and maybe WR Tee Higgins (concussion) returns. Maybe – just maybe – Burrow can lead this team on a late-season charge similar to last year’s … though that one fell one win shy of a playoff berth.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBengals defense
Much maligned this season − and, deservedly so, in recent seasons − Cincinnati's D played even more inspired football than the Burrow-led offense. Entering the game giving up the most yards and points per game in the league, the Bengals forced a season-high five turnovers and otherwise largely held Baltimore's offense in check.
Ja'Marr Chase
Cincy's No. 1 receiver was also back in the lineup after a one-game suspension for a spitting incident with Steelers DB Jalen Ramsey in Week 11. Chase was his typically impactful self, especially so with his longtime QB (going back to their LSU days) throwing to him − to the tune of seven completions for a game-high 110 receiving yards.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementPittsburgh Steelers
Just 6-5, they move back atop the AFC North from their couches anyway. But they'll need to beat the Buffalo Bills by the confluence of the Three Rivers on Sunday to maintain sole possession of the lead.
NFL PLAYOFF PICTURE: Ravens' loss gives Steelers first place in AFC North
Derrick Henry
The Ravens' bruising back passed Jim Brown, the greatest running back in NFL history by most accounts, for 11th place on the all-time rushing list with his first-quarter touchdown run. Henry now has 12,354 career yards and has a decent shot to displace Tony Dorsett (12,739 yards) and enter the top 10 before the regular season concludes.
DeAndre Hopkins
Baltimore's backup receiver also hit a major milestone Thursday, becoming the 18th player in league history to amass 1,000 career receptions.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement'John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration' coin
One side was the familiar profile of the Hall of Fame Oakland Raiders coach and legendary TV analyst. The other? A turducken. Epic. Heads or turducken, folks.
LOSERS
Sloppy Ravens
Soooo many missed opportunities. QB Lamar Jackson continued to look like a player well shy of 100%, fumbling twice, throwing a pick (albeit on a deflected pass) and just generally unable to replicate the explosive plays he's so typically produced over the years. He also didn't get much help. Wide-open WR Devontez Walker dropped a pass in the second quarter that likely would have resulted in a touchdown. Speaking of likely, TE Isaiah Likely had the ball punched out just shy of the goal line just minutes later on a play that initially appeared to be a 44-yard touchdown catch. WR Zay Flowers scored another would-be TD at the two-minute warning prior to halftime ... but nullified his own score by committing pass interference. Jackson ended the unfortunate sequence with a fumble before the half that wound up gifting Cincinnati a field goal. Flowers' fourth-quarter fumble was the exclamation point on a five-giveaway evening.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBaltimore's crowd
It was cold. The tryptophan might have kicked in. The locals weren't treated to a Jack White show. There were patches of empty seats even though the announced attendance was in excess of 70,000. And their team didn't give them much to cheer about − and the locals just never made their usual difference, most of them streaming out midway through the fourth quarter with the Ravens down by 15.
Week 6: Washington Commanders wide receiver Chris Moore (19) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the "Monday Night Football" game against the Chicago Bears at Northwest Stadium. The Commanders wore their all-black alternate uniforms for the game.
Week 6: Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (25) carries the ball for a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Falcons played the game while sporting throwback uniforms that harken back to the team's inaugural season of 1966.
Week 6: Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen operates at the line of scrimmage before a play against the Atlanta Falcons during a "Monday Night Football" game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Bills wore throwback uniforms reminiscent of the team's look from 1962-1973 during the game.
Week 6: Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young looks for a receiver against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers wore this uniform combination for the first time in the 30-27 win.
Week 5: Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel makes a catch against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium. The Bills wore their new "Rivalries" uniform for the "Sunday Night Football" game, which the Patriots won, 23-20.
Week 5: Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray makes a throw during the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans at State Farm Stadium. The Cardinals wore their all-black uniforms, but were defeated 22-21.
Week 5: Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield awaits the snap against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Both teams wore throwback uniforms in the Buccaneers' 38-35 win. The Buccaneers and Seahawks entered the NFL together as expansion teams in 1976.
Week 5: Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) is congratulated by teammate AJ Barner (88) after catching a touchdown pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Lumen Field. The Seahawks wore throwback uniforms harkening back to the team's original look from 1976-2001.
Week 5: Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton (8) runs against the Washington Commanders during the first quarter at SoFi Stadium. The Chargers wore monochrome powder blue uniform pants and jerseys for the first time.
Week 5: New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) is tackled by the Dallas Cowboys' Trevon Diggs (7) and Juanyeh Thomas (2) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. The Cowboys wore their "Arctic White" uniforms for the 37-22 win.
Week 5: New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields stands in the pocket against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets wore their all-black uniforms in the 37-22 loss.
Week 4: Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) hands the ball off to running back J.K. Dobbins during the "Monday Night Football" game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Empower Field at Mile High. The Broncos wore their "Midnight Navy" uniforms for the 28-3 win.
Week 4: Miami Dolphins running back De'von Achane rushes the ball against the New York Jets during a 27-21 win on "Monday Night Football" at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins wore their new their Nike "Rivalries" uniforms – the team version dubbed "Dark Waters."
Week 4: The Arizona Cardinals defense tackles Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) during the first quarter of a "Thursday Night Football" game at State Farm Stadium. The Cardinals became the first NFL team to wear the new Nike "Rivalries" uniform in a game. The Seahawks won the game, 23-20.
Week 3: Baltimore Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar (88) makes a catch during his team's "Monday Night Football" game against the Detroit Lions at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens wore their all-black uniforms for the game dubbed, "Darkness Falls." Despite the fancy marketing moniker, the Ravens were defeated, 38-30.
Week 3: New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (5) stiff arms Seattle Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) during the second quarter at Lumen Field. The Saints wore their all-white uniform and helmet combo for the first time in the 44-13 loss.
Week 3: San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey carries the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers wore throwback jerseys - an homage to the team's 1950s look, as well as its 1994 Super Bowl-winning season - in the 16-15 win against the Cardinals.
Week 3: New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (85) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium. New England brought out its iconic "Pat Patriot" throwback in the 21-14 defeat.
Week 3: Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (1) runs with the ball as New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner attempts to make the tackle during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers wore their famous "Creamsicle" throwback uniforms in the 29-27 win.
Week 3: Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns debuted their "Alpha Dawg" alternate uniform for the 13-10 win.
Week 3: Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jourdan Lewis (2) celebrates after making an interception in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at EverBank Stadium. The Jaguars wore their "Prowler Throwbacks" - an homage to the team's late-1990s heyday - for the 17-10 win.
Week 3: Carolina Panthers tight end JaTavion Saunders runs with the ball against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers wore their special black helmets in the 30-0 win.
Week 2: Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) runs the ball against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Sporting "The Vikings Classic" throwback uniform inspired by the team's look during the 1960s and '70s, Minnesota was defeated, 22-6.
Week 2: The Green Bay Packers' Micah Parsons (1) reacts during a "Thursday Night Football" game against the Washington Commanders at Lambeau Field. The Packers wore their "Winter Warning" uniforms for the 27-18 win.
Week 1: New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara scores a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals at Caesars Superdome. The Saints wore their reimagined "Gameday Gold" uniforms for their season opener, marking the first time the team wore gold jerseys since the 2002 season. The Cardinals defeated the Saints, 20-13.1 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 6: Washington Commanders wide receiver Chris Moore (19) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the "Monday Night Football" game against the Chicago Bears at Northwest Stadium. The Commanders wore their all-black alternate uniforms for the game.1 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 6: Washington Commanders wide receiver Chris Moore (19) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the "Monday Night Football" game against the Chicago Bears at Northwest Stadium. The Commanders wore their all-black alternate uniforms for the game.2 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 6: Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier (25) carries the ball for a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Falcons played the game while sporting throwback uniforms that harken back to the team's inaugural season of 1966.3 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 6: Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen operates at the line of scrimmage before a play against the Atlanta Falcons during a "Monday Night Football" game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Bills wore throwback uniforms reminiscent of the team's look from 1962-1973 during the game.4 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 6: Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young looks for a receiver against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers wore this uniform combination for the first time in the 30-27 win.5 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 5: Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel makes a catch against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium. The Bills wore their new "Rivalries" uniform for the "Sunday Night Football" game, which the Patriots won, 23-20.
6 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 5: Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray makes a throw during the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans at State Farm Stadium. The Cardinals wore their all-black uniforms, but were defeated 22-21.7 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 5: Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield awaits the snap against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Both teams wore throwback uniforms in the Buccaneers' 38-35 win. The Buccaneers and Seahawks entered the NFL together as expansion teams in 1976.
8 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 5: Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) is congratulated by teammate AJ Barner (88) after catching a touchdown pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Lumen Field. The Seahawks wore throwback uniforms harkening back to the team's original look from 1976-2001.9 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 5: Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton (8) runs against the Washington Commanders during the first quarter at SoFi Stadium. The Chargers wore monochrome powder blue uniform pants and jerseys for the first time.10 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 5: New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) is tackled by the Dallas Cowboys' Trevon Diggs (7) and Juanyeh Thomas (2) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. The Cowboys wore their "Arctic White" uniforms for the 37-22 win.11 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 5: New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields stands in the pocket against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at MetLife Stadium. The Jets wore their all-black uniforms in the 37-22 loss.12 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 4: Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) hands the ball off to running back J.K. Dobbins during the "Monday Night Football" game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Empower Field at Mile High. The Broncos wore their "Midnight Navy" uniforms for the 28-3 win.
13 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 4: Miami Dolphins running back De'von Achane rushes the ball against the New York Jets during a 27-21 win on "Monday Night Football" at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins wore their new their Nike "Rivalries" uniforms – the team version dubbed "Dark Waters."
14 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 4: The Arizona Cardinals defense tackles Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15) during the first quarter of a "Thursday Night Football" game at State Farm Stadium. The Cardinals became the first NFL team to wear the new Nike "Rivalries" uniform in a game. The Seahawks won the game, 23-20.
15 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 3: Baltimore Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar (88) makes a catch during his team's "Monday Night Football" game against the Detroit Lions at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens wore their all-black uniforms for the game dubbed, "Darkness Falls." Despite the fancy marketing moniker, the Ravens were defeated, 38-30.16 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 3: New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (5) stiff arms Seattle Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) during the second quarter at Lumen Field. The Saints wore their all-white uniform and helmet combo for the first time in the 44-13 loss.
17 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 3: San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey carries the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers wore throwback jerseys - an homage to the team's 1950s look, as well as its 1994 Super Bowl-winning season - in the 16-15 win against the Cardinals.
18 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 3: New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (85) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium. New England brought out its iconic "Pat Patriot" throwback in the 21-14 defeat.19 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 3: Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (1) runs with the ball as New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner attempts to make the tackle during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers wore their famous "Creamsicle" throwback uniforms in the 29-27 win.20 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 3: Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns debuted their "Alpha Dawg" alternate uniform for the 13-10 win.21 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 3: Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jourdan Lewis (2) celebrates after making an interception in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at EverBank Stadium. The Jaguars wore their "Prowler Throwbacks" - an homage to the team's late-1990s heyday - for the 17-10 win.22 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 3: Carolina Panthers tight end JaTavion Saunders runs with the ball against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers wore their special black helmets in the 30-0 win.23 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 2: Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) runs the ball against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Sporting "The Vikings Classic" throwback uniform inspired by the team's look during the 1960s and '70s, Minnesota was defeated, 22-6.
24 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 2: The Green Bay Packers' Micah Parsons (1) reacts during a "Thursday Night Football" game against the Washington Commanders at Lambeau Field. The Packers wore their "Winter Warning" uniforms for the 27-18 win.25 / 25Can't-miss alternate and throwback uniforms of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara scores a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals at Caesars Superdome. The Saints wore their reimagined "Gameday Gold" uniforms for their season opener, marking the first time the team wore gold jerseys since the 2002 season. The Cardinals defeated the Saints, 20-13.Ravens' 'Purple Rising' uniforms
They look good, a bit cleaner than Baltimore's regular uniforms − perhaps because they're devoid of black. The alternate, beak-on helmet logo is also fine. Nevertheless, the Ravens dropped to 1-1 in their secondary threads after beating the Bengals in a thriller last November when they debuted.
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AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThis article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Winners and losers from Bengals' win over Ravens on Thanksgiving
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