1. Cedric Benson continues his streak against the Ravens. Benson became the first running back since Jerome Bettis in 1996 to gain 100 yards rushing against the Ravens twice in a season. The Ravens allowed some big plays against the run in preseason.
2. Anquan Boldin is quieted by the Bengals cornerbacks. Boldin is so physical that he plays like a linebacker at times. But Cincinnati's Leon Hall and Johnathan Joseph, who recorded two interceptions each last season against the Ravens, are two corners who can be just as aggressive.
3. Ravens get off to a bad start. The 2010 season got off to a rocky start when the Ravens turned the ball over three times in their first four drives. They can't afford to do the same against the Bengals, who beat the Ravens at Cincinnati last season by scoring on their first three drives.