In Brief
Bengals WR Chad Ochocinco leads the AFC with three TD catches.
(Amy Sancetta / Associated Press)
Last meeting:
Joe Flacco threw for a career-high 280 yards (he has since surpassed that total) to lead the Ravens to a 34-3 blowout win over the Bengals in Week 13 of last season.
Last week:
Shayne Graham barely snuck his field goal inside the right upright as time expired in overtime to give the Bengals a 23-20 win over the Browns. Had Graham's kick sailed just a few inches to the right, Cincinnati would have had a tie for the second straight season. ... Mark Clayton dropped a fourth-down pass from Flacco with 28 seconds left as the Ravens suffered their first loss of the year, 27-21, in New England.
Keep your eye on ...
Greg Mattison's defensive adjustments: While Baltimore is 3-1 and among the best teams in the league according to our experts, it has actually been the offense that has led the Ravens, not their vaunted defense. While the offense is ranked third, the defense is eighth and has given up 20 points per game. Mattison, Rex Ryan's replacement at defensive coordinator, needs to get the Ravens back to being a dominant unit.
Cincinnati's drama kings: Every Bengals game this season has been decided in the final minute. It does not matter whether the opponent is formidable like Pittsburgh or Denver or winless like Cleveland, Cincinnati likes to make it interesting.
Chad Ochocinco's maturation: While the Cincinnati receiver remains outspoken and flamboyant, he has toned down his antics in key moments and demonstrated a renewed focus after letting a contract dispute distract him last year. His improved play and discipline has helped the Bengals win close games on a weekly basis.
Did you know?
Dating back to last season, the Bengals have won six of their last seven regular-season games. ... Bengals QB Carson Palmer has 2,235 career passing yards against the Ravens, his most vs. any opponent. ... Flacco is going for his third straight 300-yard passing game at home. ... Since 2002, Ravens S Ed Reed leads the NFL with 44 interceptions.
