In a matchup between two teams in the thick of the AFC playoff race, the Bengals face the Baltimore Ravens in an AFC North rivalry game.
One of the biggest storylines is Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis taking over defensive play calling duties. Lewis was last a defensive coordinator for the Washington Redskins in 2002 and served as the Ravens coordinator from 1996-2001.
In a game that is equally important for the 5-4 Bengals and the 4-5 Ravens, Sunday's matchup should be a fun one. A game against the Ravens feels big, no matter what, but the added stakes have made Sunday's game feel even more important than usual.
Here are the three things to watch.
1. The Defense Overall – The Bengals have played six top 10 scoring offenses so far. They have faced potential Most Valuable Player candidates in Drew Brees, Patrick Mahomes, Cam Newton and Ben Roethlisberger, as well as top tier quarterbacks like Andrew Luck and Matt Ryan.
With playing so many high powered offenses, the numbers have not looked great.
Lewis knows the Bengals need to get better and fast. They have allowed an average of 32.0 points per game, the second-most in the NFL. They also rank last in total defense allowing 454.6 yards per game, passing defense, allowing 313.3 yards and third down conversion rate at 56.2 percent.
With that in mind, everything will be on the table. How will the defense dial up pressure? Will there be more press coverage? Run blitzes? Different personnel groupings?
Adding intrigue is who will be the Ravens starting quarterback. Joe Flacco is dealing with a hip injury and missed practice all week. With Flacco listed as doubtful and potentially out, Baltimore could turn to a pair of first round picks – Lamar Jackson or Robert Griffin III.
2. Ball Security – In the 22 Bengals-Ravens games during Marvin Lewis' tenure, the Bengals are 11-0 against the Ravens with a plus turnover differential, and 2-10 with a minus.
Creating turnovers is the name of the game when it comes to the Baltimore defense. The Ravens are 76-5 since 2000 when the turnover ratio is plus-2 or better. The Ravens tallied the NFL's No. 1 turnover differential (+17) in 2017 and also registered the NFL's most takeaways (34).
Fast forward to 2018 and the Ravens have struggled in turnover ratio at minus-five. The defense has only forced seven turnovers total through nine games and only one in the past four contests. In the week two matchup, the Bengals forced three Baltimore turnovers and took care of the football.
One of the more interesting sub-plots will be how offensive coordinator Bill Lazor scripts his looks early in the game, especially with the personnel available. The scheme looked good on the first series against New Orleans culminating in a touchdown pass to John Ross. After that series, the Bengals had five punts, two interceptions and a turnover on downs.
3. Avoid Negative Plays – After the Saints game Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton said that negative plays killed the rhythm of the offense. Penalties, sacks, loss of yardage and even incompletions all can shut down the offensive rhythm.
Balance on offense will be important against Baltimore's front seven. In the week two matchup, the Bengals put up 373 yards on the Ravens and controlled the clock for almost 32 minutes.
Dalton also spread the ball around in the passing game throwing it to nine different receivers. That opened up holes in the running game for Joe Mixon to rush for 84 yards and Giovani Bernard to add 27 yards on the ground as well.
Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh said after the week two matchup at Cincinnati that the lack of sacks and pressure on the quarterback, as well as penalties on third down led to their slow start. Penalties have been an issue all season for Baltimore, who ranks fourth in the NFL with 69 infractions.
A look back at one of the best rivalries in the AFC North. Bengals versus Ravens. Images from the storied series.
Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon, center, celebrates his touchdown with teammates in the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Carlos Dunlap hits Joe Flacco as he throws during a 2014 contest against Baltimore.
Willie Anderson going in pass protection during a 2004 game against Baltimore.
Giovani Bernard breaks away during a 2013 game against Baltimore.
Bernard Scott carries the ball in 2010 against Baltimore.
Ray Maualuga celebrates after a tackle in 2011 against Baltimore.
Landon Johnson returns a fumble in a 2007 game against Baltimore.
Michael Johnson celebrates a sack during a 2012 game against Baltimore.
Chad Johnson makes a leaping catch in a game against Baltimore in 2002.
Carl Lawson rushes the passer in a game against Baltimore in 2017.
Shawn Williams makes an interception in a game against Baltimore in 2015.
A.J. Green turns up field during opening day 2017 against Baltimore.
Reggie Nelson out in punt coverage in a game against Baltimore in 2010.
T.J. Houshmandzadeh turns up field during a 2015 game against Baltimore.
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins (97) closes to the ball in action against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday November 18, 2018 in Baltimore. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
Justin Smith makes a tackle in a 2002 game against Baltimore.
Bengals running back Giovani Bernard carries the ball in the first half against the Baltimore Ravens.
Dhani Jones makes a tackle during a 2009 contest against Baltimore.
Kevin Kaesviharn out in coverage during a 2006 game against Baltimore.
Odell Thurman sacks Trent Dilfer in a 2005 game against Baltimore.
Rudi Johnson breaks away during a 2004 game against Baltimore.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd (83) battles Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (44) for a pass during a NFL football game Sunday October 13, 2019 in Baltimore. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
T.J. Houshmandzadeh runs down field against Baltimore in 2008.
Clark Harris in punt coverage downfield during a 2015 game against Baltimore.
Chad Johnson celebrates a first down against Baltimore in a 2006 contest.
Tyler Boyd stretches for a first down against Baltimore in 2016.
Geno Atkins rushes the passer in a 2014 game against Baltimore.
Jeremi Johnson goes out to block in a 2003 game against Baltimore.
Clint Boling lines up against Baltimore in 2012.
Cedric Benson finds a hole to rush through in a 2009 game against Baltimore.
Robert Geathers attempts to block a pass in 2006 against Baltimore.
Kevin Hardy making a tackle during a 2003 game against Baltimore.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) and Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) meet on the field after an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018, in Cincinnati. Bengals won 34-23. (AP Photo/Frank Victores)
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Miles Boykin (80) against Cincinnati Bengals tight end Drew Sample (89) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in Cincinnati. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Game Coverage
Kickoff: 1 p.m. Eastern.
Television: The game will air on CBS-TV. In the Bengals' home region, it will be carried by WKRC-TV (Ch. 12) in Cincinnati, WHIO-TV (Ch. 7) in Dayton and on WKYT-TV (Ch. 27) in Lexington. Broadcasters are Kevin Harlan (play-byplay), Rich Gannon (analyst) and Steve Tasker (sideline reporter).
Radio: The game will air on the Bengals Radio Network, led by Cincinnati flagship stations WLW-AM (700), WCKY-AM (ESPN 1530) and WEBN-FM (102.7). Broadcasters are Dan Hoard (play-by-play) and Dave Lapham (analyst).
