Ravens vs. Bengals: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info, Game Time and More

In a potential playoff matchup and divisional rivalry, the Cincinnati Bengals (9-5) host the Baltimore Ravens (10-6) in a tune-up game before both teams make the playoffs.

The Ravens officially clinched the AFC North last week with a win over the New York Giants, while the Bengals clinched the No. 6 seed in the playoffs this season behind the play of the team's stingy defense.

Now both teams enter Week 17 knowing exactly what seed they will have for the postseason, but will still fight for momentum and bragging rights as they approach this last game of the season.

Where: Paul Brown Stadium

When: Sunday, Dec. 30 at 1 p.m. ET

Watch: CBS

Live Stream: NFL.com

Betting Line: Cincinnati (-3), according to Bovada

Baltimore Injury Report (via Yahoo! Sports as of Dec. 25, 2012)

Ed Reed S	Probable	Shoulder
Marshal Yanda G	Questionable	Ankle
Torrey Smith WR	Questionable	Head
Bernard Pierce RB	Questionable	Head
Albert McClellan LB	Questionable	Thigh, shoulder
Vonta Leach RB	Questionable	Ankle
Dannell Ellerbe LB	Questionable	Ankle
Tandon Doss WR	Questionable	Ankle
Bernard Pollard S	Doubtful	Chest

Cincinnaty Injury Report (via Yahoo! Sports as of Dec. 25, 2012)

Cedric Peerman RB	Questionable	Ankle
Mike Nugent K	Questionable	Head
Adam Jones CB	Questionable	Hamstring
Carlos Dunlap DE	Probable	Illness
Dre Kirkpatrick CB	Day-to-Day	Knee

What's at Stake?

Though the Bengals already locked up the No. 6 seed, the Ravens could still improve their seeding. Baltimore currently holds the No. 4 seed, but a victory over Cincinnati and a New England loss would bump them to No. 3.

In addition, this is still an AFC North rivalry, and the history between these two teams will be more than enough motivation for both teams to go hard on Sunday.

Fantasy Plays

Baltimore RB Bernard Pierce

With Ray Rice likely spending a lot of time on the bench to avoid injury, lead-back duties will fall to Pierce, who is coming off a huge game.

Pierce ran for an incredible 123 yards on 14 carries last week against the Giants, and he always has the potential for a big run.

While the Bengals defense ranks No. 10 against the run, it is still the weakest part of the team's defense, and Pierce will try to exploit that.

Predicted Stats: 17 carries, 73 yards, 1 TD

Cincinnati RB Cedric Peerman

Peerman is another backup running back who will likely be handling the starting role on Sunday.

The Ravens struggle against the run, ranking No. 24 in the league. The team gives up 127.9 yards per game on the ground, and was giving up 173.0 yards per game in the two games before last week.

Peerman isn't a great back, but he is averaging 7.9 yards per carry during the season

Predicted Stats: 12 carries, 58 yards, 1 TD

What They're Saying

Ravens wide receiver Anquan Boldin has a shoulder injury, and is questionable for Sunday's matchup:

"

Boldin has bruised shoulder, status is uncertain bit.ly/Trgr8o #NFL

— NFL Football News (@NFL_Football) December 25, 2012"

With the Ravens already in the playoffs, he will likely not play much (if at all) against the Bengals.

Meanwhile, Bengals rookie cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick is done for the season:

"

RT @joereedy Per the #bengals, the reason Kirkpatrick is being put on IR is due to the knee and not the concussion

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 25, 2012"

Kirkpatrick has a bright future, but he will miss out on the postseason because of the injury.

Key Matchup: How long will the starters play?

This game is going to be won by whichever team wants it more.

If one team decides that the rivalry is important and it plays its starters well into the fourth quarter, that team will win.

If one team decides to focus on the playoffs and only plays its starters for one quarter, that team will lose.

It really is as simple as that.

Prediction

I see the Bengals trying a lot harder in this game. The Ravens are always in the playoffs, but the Bengals are looking for a 10-win season and bragging rights.

The Bengals starters will play long enough to build up a solid lead against the Ravens bench and win the game because of it.

Predicted Score: Bengals 16, Ravens 10

Follow @JoshSchoch