In the United States, the Cincinnati Bengals faced considerable travel difficulties on November 26, 2025, as they prepared for their Thanksgiving night game against the Baltimore Ravens. Initially scheduled to depart from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport at 5 p.m. ET, the team's flight was delayed by more than five hours due to a plane switch. This unforeseen mishap resulted in the Bengals arriving at their hotel in Baltimore after midnight on Thanksgiving Day, impacting their preparation for the crucial AFC North matchup at 8:20 p.m. Despite the challenges, the Bengals were looking forward to welcoming back their starting quarterback, Joe Burrow, who had recently recovered from a turf toe injury that had sidelined him for nine games. Burrow, who expressed his commitment to playing despite the team’s current 3-8 record, shared his perspective on facing injuries and his approach to rehab. He stated that he would not shy away from playing if healthy, emphasizing his determination to control his rehab and return to practice as swiftly as possible. The timing of the team's flight issues could have been worse had the game been scheduled earlier in the day, as they were able to use the time leading up to the evening game for organizational prep despite the hectic travel experience. As the Bengals dealt with their travel setbacks, they were aware of their recent losing streak of four games and the pressing need for a victory. Joe Burrow had not played the previous Sunday but was prepared to lead his team against the Ravens after a series of practice sessions leading to this pivotal game. His return was seen as critical for the Bengals, not just for the game, but in terms of revitalizing the team’s morale given the challenging season thus far. The Bengals looked to improve their chances in the competitive AFC North, where playoffs were a significant consideration despite their current standing. The Ravens entered the match with a different momentum, riding a five-game winning streak which placed them in a tie for the AFC North lead with the Pittsburgh Steelers. This high-stakes game represented not only a chance for the Bengals to halt their losing streak but also an opportunity to upset a divisional rival contending for a postseason spot. The circumstances around the game underscored the importance of logistical planning and the impact of travel on team performance during a demanding NFL season during the holiday period.