Baltimore Ravens (5-2) at Cincinnati Bengals (3-2-1)

Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati — TV: CBS

*TV announcers: Greg Gumbel, Trent Green, Evan Washburn

*Keys to the game: The Ravens have found the offensive balance that escaped them last season thanks to unlikely production from RB Justin Forsett, who enters averaging 5.8 yards per carry. That has alleviated pressure from QB Joe Flacco, who has been sacked just eight times. The offense has found its rhythm since a season-opening 23-16 home loss to the Bengals, as the Ravens have averaged 35.4 in the five ensuing games. Cincinnati’s defense has fallen to 31st in yards allowed while struggling through playing several youngsters due to injury and must avoid the assignment breakdowns that have led to far too many big plays on the ground.

The Bengals’ approach will hinge largely on the availability of WR A.J. Green (toe), who could be a game-time decision. With or without Green, QB Andy Dalton needs the ground game to get untracked and for the offensive line to hold the fort better after struggling mightily with the Colts’ speed packages last week, when Dalton was pressured on 30 percent of his dropbacks.

*Matchup to watch — Ravens NT Brandon Williams vs. Bengals C Russell Bodine: Bodine, a rookie out of North Carolina, gives up nearly 30 pounds in this battle, and will work with OGs Clint Boling and Kevin Zeitler in an attempt to move Williams and clear more running lanes than the Bengals’ backs have seen in recent weeks.

*Player spotlight — Bengals WLB Vontaze Burfict: It was back to basics for Burfict this week after he was forced out of last Sunday’s game due to a neck injury. Bengals defensive coordinator Paul Guenther is stressing tackling with his head up, as Burfict has managed to play in just 33 percent of the defensive snaps this season. The Ravens had 77 yards in the 29 minutes Burfict played in the opener, but 232 in the 31 minutes after he left with a concussion.

*Fast facts: The Bengals will play home games three consecutive weeks for the first time since 1997. … Sunday will mark the first time since 1974 Cincinnati will finish a season series against a division rival before playing another team from within its division.

WHO WILL WIN AND WHY

As poorly as they have play over the past three games, the Bengals are 11-0-1 in their past 12 home games and are desperate to avoid falling three games behind the Ravens. Of course, having Green available would help immensely in that effort.

*Our pick: Bengals 26-21