Baltimore Ravens

Six Points: Ravens at Bengals

Published Dec. 31, 2015 8:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Here are three keys to the game for both the Ravens and Bengals:

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RAVENS

1. Stick with what works on offense

All but three of Mallett's 41 passes last Sunday were of the short variety, and he completed 70 percent of them. The Bengals' corners are better in coverage than Pittsburgh's so crisp route running will be at a premium for Kamar Aiken and company. Look for a lot of shallow crosses to help the Ravens receivers gain separation.

2. Double cover Green all day

A.J. Green humiliated the Ravens to the tune of 227 yards and two touchdowns on 10 catches in Cincinnati's 28-24 win in Week 3. Defensive coordinator Dean Pees must give safety help to cornerback Jimmy Smith, who should be shadowing Green on virtually every play.

3. Run away from Geno

The last thing a running back wants to see is Bengals Pro Bowl defensive tackle in his path. Baltimore should try to get Javorius Allen and Terrance West to the edges with stretch handoffs and tosses.

BENGALS

1. Move Green around the field

Offensive coordinator Hue Jackson should motion Green across the formation as much as possible in order to prevent the Ravens from getting a jam on him. The Bengals should also put him in the slot on occasion and look for a mismatch just as they did in Week 3 when Green toasted safety Kendrick Lewis for an 80-yard touchdown. And if Green isn't open, McCarron should look the way of Tyler Eifert, who is expected back after missing two games with a concussion.

2. Get Hill downhill

If the Ravens look to force the Bengals to run the ball with two deep safeties as they did to the Steelers last week, Jackson should happily oblige. Jeremy Hill should be able to do the same kind of damage that DeAngelo Williams last week, when he carried 17 times for 100 yards and two touchdowns. Half of that yardage came running behind the right guard, according to Pro Football Reference, meaning Kevin Zeitler should be called upon to clear some holes for Hill.

3. Head on a swivel

With the Ravens receivers constantly running short routes, Cincinnati's linebackers should be looking to unload as they cross the middle. A few big hits will get the receivers thinking twice about going over the middle, not to mention the fumbles that could come along as well.