PASS DEFENSE SPECIAL TEAMS INTANGIBLES

After a six-week pass-rushing drought, the Ravens have produced 11 sacks over their past two games, jumping to fourth in the league in QB knockdowns and eighth in pressures, according to Pro Football Reference. As usual with Don “Wink” Martindale’s blitzhappy defense, the sacks have come from everywhere. The Ravens have held opposing quarterbacks to 5.7 yards per attempt.

Kicker Justin Tucker has made 25 of 28 field-goal attempts, with one miss inside 50 yards. Hewas selected for his fifth Pro Bowl. Punter Sam Koch’s status is in doubt after he was placed on the reserve/ COVID-19 list. Tucker averaged 40.5 yards per punt at Texas, so he would likely step in for Koch. Rookie Devin Duvernay averaged 18 yards per return subbing for James Proche II.

The Ravens have won four in a row and will make the playoffs if they defeat the Bengals. With Jackson performing near the peak of his powers, they’ve regained a confidence that seemed to waver in the middle of the season. Coach John Harbaugh’s teams have excelled as heavy favorites. With their playoff hopes on the line, the Ravens won’t take anything for granted.

Opposing quarterbacks have torched the Bengals for 6.9 yards per attempt with 29 touchdown passes. Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson completed 24 of 33 passes for 324 yards and three touchdowns in Week 16. Bates is a star, and cornerbacks William Jackson III and Darius Phillips have combined for 23 passes defended. But the Bengals rank second to last in sacks and total pressures.

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The Bengals appeared dead in the water, scoring just 40points in their first four games without Burrow, the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft. But they’ve rebounded to win their past two, including a shocking upset over the Pittsburgh Steelers on “Monday Night Football.” They would enjoy spoiling another playoff push by their AFC North rival.

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