Ravens run offense vs. Bengals run defense
This is where the Ravens have their best chance of upending the Bengals,who have the NFL's 25th-ranked run defense. For the second time this season, the Ravens will split playing time between running backs Jamal Lewis and Chester Taylor. But Taylor, whose ankle is not at full strength, could be limited. Cincinnati held Lewis and Taylor to 58 yards on 18 carries (a 3.2-yard average) three weeks ago. Defensive tackle Bryan Robinson, the Bengals' best lineman against the run, is expected to be sidelined with a foot injury. Shaun Smith, who has been inactive for three of the past four weeks, could replace Robinson and match up against right guard Brian Rimpf, who will make his second career start.
Edge -- Even
Ravens pass offense vs. Bengals pass defense
Kyle Boller has put the Ravens in some bad situations with his erratic decision-making. His interception rate (5.4 percent) is the highest among active starting quarterbacks. Two of his picks have come deep in the opponent's territory. Boller can't take all the blame for the Ravens' inability to stretch the field because receivers Patrick Johnson and Mark Clayton both misplayed deep passes in the end zone last Sunday. The Bengals' Deltha O'Neal and Tory James aren't the best cover cornerbacks but they might be the best ball-hawking ones. O'Neal and James have combined for 10 of the Bengals' league-leading 21 interceptions. Cincinnati hasn't had a consistent pass rush, ranking 30th in the NFL in sacks per pass play. But end Justin Smith could cause problems for right tackle Tony Pashos, who is starting in place of Orlando Brown (back).
Edge -- BENGALS
Bengals run offense vs. Ravens run defense
Without Ray Lewis at middle linebacker, the Ravens have struggled at stopping the run unless they move an eighth defender near the line of scrimmage. That's not an option when facing Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer. Cincinnati running back Rudi Johnson gained 70 yards on 15 carries in the first half against the Ravens on Nov. 6, but he managed only 27 yards on 14 attempts in the second half. In his past three meetings with the Ravens, Johnson has averaged 83.7 yards because the Bengals have become the more physical team up front. Backup Chris Perry, though, is more of a breakaway threat, producing 82 yards on eight carries last Sunday.
Edge -- Bengals
Bengals pass offense vs. Ravens pass defense
