Ravens vs. Bengals -- Week 1
Where: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore (turf, outdoors)
When: Monday, 7 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Spread: Ravens by 7
Forecast: Sunny, projected temperature at kickoff should be in the mid 70s.
2011 records: Ravens (12-4); Bengals (9-7)
Past results: Two most recent meetings -- Jan. 1, 2012: Ravens 24, Bengals 16; Nov. 20, 2011: Ravens 31, Bengals 24. Series record: Ravens hold an 18-14 edge.
What matters: The battle for the AFC North title begins in Week 1, given that both these teams reached the playoffs a season ago and look just as strong entering the 2012 season. In both meetings last year, the Ravens edged the Bengals in the fourth quarter despite allowing the Bengals' offense to move the ball effectively. Cincinnati does have some new faces on the offensive line, so Baltimore's defensive front will look to generate some pressure in various looks up front. The Ravens break in two new starting outside linebackers in Paul Kruger and Albert McClellan, who replace Terrell Suggs (on PUP with an Achilles injury) and Jarret Johnson (now with San Diego).
Who matters: Baltimore appears to have adopted a new philosophy this offseason and wants to allow QB Joe Flacco to throw the ball in an up-tempo, no-huddle offense. All eyes will be on Flacco to see how he handles the offensive load. Flacco was sharp in preseason, highlighted by an impressive outing against Jacksonville that saw him complete 27 of 36 passes for 266 yards and 2 touchdowns in just over two quarters of action.
Key matchup: The Bengals have a budding star at receiver in A.J. Green. In the past, Baltimore has chosen not to match their corners against star receivers, so both Lardarius Webb and Cary Williams figure to see time lining up against Green in man-to-man coverage. The Ravens fared well against Green a year ago, holding him to just two catches for 26 yards. If Cincinnati has trouble stretching the defense, then Baltimore should be able to key on stopping the run. However, Baltimore gave up a lot of yards to No. 1 receivers this preseason.
Injuries of note: Baltimore is fairly healthy for the season opener. Only backup offensive lineman Jah Reid (calf) and rookie cornerback Asa Jackson (illness) have missed practice this week.
Inside stuff: While Jacoby Jones could be a factor as a return specialist, look for him to be just as involved as a receiver. When he was in Houston, he took a backseat to Andre Johnson in a West Coast offense. In Baltimore, he'll be used as a weapon to go vertical. Jones has had a solid preseason and should see a lot of time in three-WR sets.
Connections: LG Bobbie Williams played with the Bengals for the previous eight seasons, making 118 starts. Rookie C Gino Gradkowski and Bengals backup QB Bruce Gradkowski are brothers. Bengals coach Marvin Lewis was the Ravens defensive coordinator from 1996-2001.
Stats you should know: Flacco is hit or miss against the Bengals. In his last three games, he has come away with wins while completing 70.8 percent of his passes for 525 yards and three touchdowns (a 97.3 QB rating). However, he's thrown 10 interceptions to seven touchdowns throughout his career against the Bengals. Cincinnati's defensive backs typically give Flacco some trouble.
Record watch: Ed Reed needs 21 interception return yards to surpass Rod Woodson (1,483) for most all-time, regardless of position. Ray Lewis needs 28 interception return yards to pass Derrick Brooks (530) to have the most all-time for a linebacker.
Looking ahead: Baltimore has a brutal opening stretch with Philadelphia (away) and New England (home) following the opener against Cincinnati. A loss to the Bengals puts a lot of pressure on the Ravens to come away with a win in at least one of the next two meetings.
Prediction: Ravens 30, Bengals 23
Follow Ravens reporter Jason Butt on Twitter: @CBSSportsNFLBAL and @JasonButtCBS.
