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Quick Take: Ravens-Bengals

In Brief

» Last meeting: In Week 5, the Bengals used a late touchdown drive to stun the host Ravens, 17-14.
» Streaks: The Bengals have won seven of the past 10 meetings, but still trail the overall series 15-12.
» Last week: Baltimore emphatically snapped its three-game losing skid with a 30-7 rout of previously undefeated Denver. ... Cincinnati was on a bye.

Keep your eye on ...Cedric Benson's effectiveness: Earlier this year, Benson became the first player to rush for over 100 yards against the Ravens since 2006. His production on the ground allowed Carson Palmer to use play-action and keep the Ravens' defense off balance. It will be tough for Benson to duplicate his effort from the first game, but if he does, it will give the Bengals a decided edge.

Baltimore's offensive play-calling: In their three losses this season -- all close games that came down to the wire -- the Ravens are passing the ball on 69.5 percent of their offensive plays. In their four wins, they are passing the ball just 49.3 percent of the time. Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron has done a great job of grooming Joe Flacco, but he must try to maintain balance in his play-calling.

Steven Hauschka's confidence: Hauschka rebounded from a tough game against Minnesota in which he missed a 44-yard field goal as time expired that would have given Baltimore a victory by making all three of his kicks against Denver. He has yet to face the pressure of needing to make a crucial late-game field goal since that Week 6 miss, however. This Sunday's game in Cincinnati may be close and the Ravens might have to call on Hauschka to deliver.

Did you know?

Ravens QB Joe Flacco has at least one touchdown pass in seven consecutive games. ... Ed Reed's six interceptions against the Bengals are his second-highest against any opponent. ... Carson Palmer is 7-3 in his career against the Ravens. ... Cincinnati's Chris Crocker has an interception in two consecutive games.

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