NFL Week 17: Keys to the Cincinnati-Baltimore Showdown

The Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens will meet this afternoon in what is easily one the most critical games of the week.

While the Ravens are playing for a shot at a postseason bye and a possible home playoff game, the Bengals have much more on the line.

Should Cincinnati pull off the upset, they will officially earn the AFC wildcard. Should they lose, their playoff hopes are all but shot.

How can Cincinnati make it happen? Here are five keys to the crucial divisional showdown.

Can Cincinnati Force Flacco to Throw?

Simply put, Baltimore lives and dies by the play of running back Ray Rice.

The Ravens are 11-0 when Rice touches the ball 25 or more times, while all four of their losses have come in games when Rice has had 20 or fewer touches.

If Cincinnati can contain Rice and force Baltimore to throw the ball they could create some major problems for the Ravens' offense.

Quarterback Joe Flacco has struggled on the road all season long. With his top target in Anquan Boldin listed as doubtful for today's contest, Baltimore could be hard-pressed for passing yards.

Will the Cincy O-Line Hold Up?

Since losing guard Bobbie Williams in their Week 14 matchup against Houston, the Bengals' offensive line has looked noticeably weak.

While they've been able to get away with poor trench play over the past two weeks against the Rams and Cardinals, the Ravens' defense will present the Bengals with a much tougher challenge.

If Cincy can't step it up on the line their playoff chances could be thrashed in a hurry.

Can Cincinnati Limit Turnovers?

Despite racking up some decent numbers over the past two weeks, Cincinnati running back Cedric Benson has been nothing but trouble for the Bengals recently, fumbling five times in just two games.

Cincinnati won't be able to play careless football today if they hope to knock off Baltimore, so Benson and the rest of the Bengal offense will have to take care of the rock.

How Will Baltimore Handle A.J. Green?

Baltimore knocked off Cincinnati in the two rivals' first meeting of the season, but the Bengals were without Pro Bowl wideout A.J. Green.

Baltimore will have their hands full trying to contain the rookie sensation, and their ability or inability to keep Green from making his signature downfield plays could very well determine the outcome of today's contest.

Can the Bengals Finally Close out a Game?

Cincinnati's last three games, two of which were victories, have all shared a common trend:

The Bengals cannot convincingly close out football games.

After forfeiting a fourth quarter lead in a loss to Houston three weeks ago, Cincinnati struggled to hold off comeback efforts by both the Rams and Cardinals.

If Cincinnati should get out to an early lead this afternoon against Baltimore they will have to play hard for all four quarters and put the nail in the coffin.