Ravens and Bengals quarterbacks are off their prime-time peaks - ESPN

BALTIMORE — In a season when they've both been tested by injuries, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow look to prove they're still among the NFL's best quarterbacks, just like they did during a Thursday night game at M&T Bank Stadium a year ago.

In a wild 35-34 victory by the Ravens last season, Burrow threw for 428 yards and four touchdowns — only to be outdone by Jackson's three touchdown passes in the fourth quarter. Flashing their different styles and strengths, they went back-and-forth to dazzle a national television audience, from Burrow hitting Ja'Marr Chase in stride for a 70-yard touchdown to Jackson delivering a game-winning, 5-yard touchdown toss with a follow-through that resembled a floating jump shot.

As the Ravens (6-5) prepare to host the Cincinnati Bengals (3-8) on Thanksgiving night (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC), Jackson and Burrow now face questions about whether they will reach those same prime-time heights. Jackson is mired in the worst slump of his eight-year career as injuries continue to mount, and Burrow is surprisingly ready to return after being sidelined two months following turf toe surgery.

Burrow, a two-time NFL Comeback Player of the Year, is suiting up faster than anticipated after injuring the big toe on his left foot in Week 2. Originally expected to be out until mid-December, he stepped on the practice field two weeks ago, setting the stage for this high-profile return to a reeling Bengals team that has lost six games in a row.

«Joe's extremely important to this team, this city, to everybody,» Bengals running back Chase Brown said. «Seeing him come back, it will be crazy.»

Brown added, «Everybody's making it seem like it's this big 'The Dark Knight Rises'