Ravens guards Chris Chester, Ben Grubbs and Matt Birk vs. Bengals MLB Dhani Jones

The Ravens are quick and athletic, and will need to be both against Jones. The Ravens have to be able to get to him and cut off his pursuit angles. Jones leads the Bengals in tackles with 153, including 100 solo. He is fast and extremely agile. Edge: Bengals

Ravens CB Chris Carr vs. Bengals WR Jordan Shipley

Shipley isn't overly big or fast, but he can find holes in a zone defense, especially in the red zone. As the slot receiver, he is a good matchup for any No. 3 safety or cornerback. He is tough and plays a lot bigger than he looks. Carr starts outside in the base defense but goes inside on the nickel because he is smart and good at recognition and communicating. Carr has had an outstanding season, but so has Shipley. This is an excellent matchup. Edge: Ravens

Ravens inside linebackers Ray Lewis and Jameel McClain vs. Bengals RB Cedric Benson

Benson is the key to the Bengals' offense. Cincinnati likes to pass, mostly off play-action. Benson is versatile enough to gain yards inside and outside. McClain has replaced Lewis as the rabbit inside. In the past three games, he has been making plays all over the field and running down halfbacks. Lewis has to get the Ravens ready before each snap. The Bengals caught San Diego off-guard last week by snapping the ball before the Chargers' defense was set. Edge: Ravens