DaytonDailyNews.com

What you need to know about today's Bengals-Ravens game at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore:

Overview

The Bengals enter their 41st season with a 19-21 record in season openers. A victory will tie the team record for most consecutive opening-day victories (four) set from 1969-72 under Paul Brown. This is John Harbaugh's inaugural game as Ravens head coach.

Scouting the Bengals

The club cut some veterans in a youth movement, but this is not a rebuilding year because so many core players remain intact, including the main offensive weapons in quarterback Carson Palmer and wide receivers Chad Ocho Cinco and T.J. Houshmandzadeh. First-year defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer will unveil a more aggressive unit, but press coverage by the cornerbacks won't work unless the pass rush improves.

Scouting the Ravens

Rookie QB Joe Flacco gets his first start by default because Kyle Boller is out for the year with a shoulder injury and Troy Smith is recovering from infected tonsils. Flacco's size and arm strength will remind fans of the Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger. The Ravens offensive line must protect Flacco because the Bengals are coming after him. Baltimore's strength is its defense, which remains one of the league's best units.

Numbers game

The Ravens lead the series, 13-11 overall and 8-4 in Baltimore, but the Bengals have won six of the last seven, including three of the past four in Baltimore.

Injury report

Bengals — fullback Jeremi Johnson (knee), strong safety Chinedum Ndukwe (knee) and defensive tackle Pat Sims (toe) are out; WR Andre Caldwell (toe) is doubtful. Ravens — QB Troy Smith (illness) is out; DT Kelly Gregg (knee) is doubtful; free safety Ed Reed (neck) is questionable.

Outcome

Cincinnati has a history of letting down and getting beat by quarterbacks who are either young and inexperienced or journeyman veterans. Examples: Brett Favre, Eric Zeier, Donald Hollas, Billy Volek, Bruce Gradkowski, Jay Cutler, Derek Anderson, Damon Huard and Shaun Hill. The Bengals have more talent than Baltimore, and they're healthier. The final: Bengals 27, Ravens 17.