Cincinnati-Baltimore: Bengals, Ravens in a Wild Battle for AFC North's Top Spot

The Bengals and Ravens both currently sit at 3-1, tied for first place in the AFC North division. One team will take a step forward this weekend after the two teams meet in Baltimore on Sunday afternoon.

How do the Bengals beat the Ravens?

Run the football.

The Ravens have not allowed a 100-yard rusher in 39 games. The last running back to crack the century mark against them was Kansas City's Larry Johnson on Dec. 10, 2006.

The Bengals have made an obvious commitment to the running game this year. Cedric Benson is averaging 21 carries per game and there is no indication of that number going down.

A strong performance by Benson and the offensive line will allow the Bengals to control the clock and keep the Ravens defense on the field. Consistently converting third downs will also help take the crowd out of the game.

Take what they give you.

It is no secret that the Ravens have an aggressive defense. They will try to put pressure on Carson Palmer and force him to make bad decisions. I can't believe I am saying this, but the execution of screen passes and draw plays will be essential if the Bengals want to move the ball.

If the Ravens concentrate on stopping the running game, it should create opportunities for Palmer to connect with his receiving corps. The Ravens have the 23rd ranked passing defense in the league. A lot of that has been attributed to the inability of their defensive line to apply pressure to the opposing quarterback.

You're not in Cleveland anymore.

The Ravens are not the Browns even though they used to be. What? You know what I mean. If the Bengals repeat the mistakes that were made last week, they will lose.  

The offense must be more consistent. After gaining 151 yards on the first two drives against the Browns, they were basically nonexistent until the final drive of regulation. An offensive lull during the game this week cannot be afforded against a very good Ravens offense.

The Bengals had 18 third down opportunities against the Browns and converted only five. That number must improve.

The special teams problems cannot continue. That is the politically correct way of saying that if Brad St. Louis has another bad snap, he will be bagging groceries at Wal-Mart on Monday.