Ravens run offense vs. Bengals run defense
The Ravens want to control the clock to keep Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer off the field. That means they will rely on new running back Willis McGahee, who was not impressive in the preseason (47 yards on 18 carries). It's critical that left tackle Jonathan Ogden, who is questionable with a toe injury, returns to a young offensive line. The Bengals are traditionally soft up the middle, and starting outside linebacker Rashad Jeanty (shin) is out. But the Ravens had problems running against Cincinnati last season, averaging 3.8 yards a carry. EDGE: EVEN
Ravens pass offense vs. Bengals pass defense
In 15 games against Cincinnati, Steve McNair has completed 60 percent of his passes, throwing 21 touchdown passes and five interceptions for a 95.7 quarterback rating. The Bengals had the second-worst pass defense in the NFL last season and could have matchup problems against the Ravens. Derrick Mason should get open against overrated cornerback Deltha O'Neal, and Todd Heap should have a big game against a weak Cincinnati linebacker group. The secondary could be weakened if cornerback Johnathan Joseph (questionable, foot) can't play. Right tackle Adam Terry could have trouble against end Robert Geathers, a strong pass rusher. EDGE: RAVENS
Bengals run offense vs. Ravens run defense
The Ravens return six starters to a front seven that finished second in the league against the run, giving up 75.9 yards a game. Only two running backs (Travis Henry and Larry Johnson) broke 100 yards against the Ravens last season. But Bengals running back Rudi Johnson has been effective in the past four meetings, averaging 83.7 yards rushing and scoring four touchdowns. Jarret Johnson, the only new starter on the Ravens defense, will have a tough matchup against Bengals right tackle Willie Anderson. EDGE: EVEN
Bengals pass offense vs. Ravens pass defense
Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer has owned the Ravens in the past five meetings, averaging 272 yards passing and compiling a 108.2 rating. The Ravens traditionally have struggled to contain receivers T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Chad Johnson. Ravens cornerback Samari Rolle, who allowed a league-worst 11 yards per pass attempt last season, is expected to cover Johnson. In two games against the Ravens last season, Johnson was relatively quiet, catching 12 passes for 123 yards. The Bengals are undecided on who will line up at left tackle (Levi Jones or Andrew Whitworth) against Terrell Suggs. EDGE: BENGALS
