Ravens at Bengals -- Week 17
Where: Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati (turf, outdoors)
When: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
Spread: Bengals by 2.5
Forecast: Mostly sunny with temperatures in the high 20s/low 30s.
Records: Ravens (10-5; AFC North 4-1); Bengals (9-6; AFC North 2-3)
Past results: Two most recent meetings -- Sept. 10, 2012: Ravens 44, Bengals 13; Jan. 1, 2012: Ravens 24, Bengals 16. Series record: Ravens lead 19-14.
What matters: To sweep Cincinnati, the Ravens will need to eliminate RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis from the game plan. In Week 1's meeting, Green-Ellis had 91 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries. Assuming Baltimore's offense isn't as dominant as it was in the previous meeting, keeping Green-Ellis from churning out yards is important. That would force Cincinnati to become one dimensional in its passing game. Sure, WR A.J. Green is a huge threat no matter what. But Baltimore's defense will have the advantage if QB Andy Dalton has to force his passes downfield.
Who matters: Ray Rice and Bernard Pierce are coming off stellar outings against the Giants, when they combined for 230 rushing yards on 38 carries. Rice also added 51 yards and a touchdown on six receptions. If the duo gets off to a fast start, look out. Joe Flacco will then be able to make plays in the passing game, allowing the offense to put up a ton of points again.
Key matchups: Baltimore's interior OL vs. Bengals DTs Geno Atkins and Domata Peko. Atkins and Peko are a tough force inside, with Atkins being one of the NFL's premier players at his position. The Ravens interior linemen gave up two sacks to Atkins in the Week 1 meeting, and will hope to limit his opportunities this week. ... Ravens CBs Cary Williams and Corey Graham vs. Bengals WR Green. Green's going to win some battles on Sunday and the Ravens have to be aware of that. The key will be limiting the number of big plays Green makes. With Williams and Graham playing well of late, that very well could happen. In addition, the Ravens had some success against Green this year, holding him to 70 yards in the Week 1 meeting.
Injuries of note: RG Marshal Yanda (shoulder/knee/ankle) and DT Haloti Ngata (knee) have not practiced this week. With the AFC North title wrapped up, the Ravens could be in a situation to rest them.
Inside stuff: Despite the lack of a pass rush, Baltimore has sustained for the majority of the season, it was able to record four sacks against Cincinnati in the season-opener. DEs Arthur Jones and Pernell McPhee have played well lately and could be in for a big game against a Cincinnati team that has surrendered 44 sacks this year.
Record in reach: Rookie K Justin Tucker has a chance to set the franchise record in single-season kicking percentage. Through 15 games, Tucker is 29 of 31, good for 93.5 percent. The record holder is former K Matt Stover, who made 28 of 30 kicks in 2006, which also checks in at 93.5 percent. If Tucker connects on just one field goal attempt, he'll hold the record by himself.
Connections: Ravens OG Bobbie Williams played eight years and started 118 games with the Bengals. ... Ravens C/G Gino Gradkowski and Bengals backup QB Bruce Gradkowski are brothers. ... Bengals coach Marvin Lewis was the defensive coordinator in Baltimore from 1996-2001. ... Bengals RB Cedric Peerman was selected by the Ravens in the sixth round of the 2009 NFL draft.
Stat you should know: Rice has averaged 110 rushing yards in his past four games against the Bengals. In those games, he has a combined seven touchdowns. In the past three games against Cincinnati, Rice has scored two touchdowns in each outing.
Looking ahead: The Ravens will host a rematch against the Bengals or welcome the Colts in the wild card round of the playoffs.
Prediction: Ravens 27, Bengals 20
Follow Ravens reporter Jason Butt on Twitter @CBSRavens and @JasonButtCBS.
