Bengals-Ravens: Three stats, advanced analytics

The Cincinnati Bengals have already clinched the AFC North Division along with the right to play their first playoff game at home, and they can secure a first-round bye regardless of whether they win or lose today against Baltimore. That would be huge for Cincinnati because Dalton isn’t expected to be back in time to play in the wild card round.

Three weeks ago, Cincinnati Bengals backup quarterback AJ McCarron compared his situation to Tom Brady’s when the future Hall of Fame quarterback was named the Patriots’ starting QB 15 years ago. Both are outstanding. The 12 win season means the Bengals once again dominated the AFC North. Sure, Cincinnati NEEDS a playoff win and more to become a truly feared team.

Details for Sunday’s game are below. Will a win against Baltimore propel the Bengals into many post season wins and glory?

According to a tweet by the Bengals, McCarron said there are no concerns about the injury and he “should be good to go on Sunday”.

A loss would send the Bengals into the playoffs having dropped two in a row and three of four, so there is a definite mental component that a victory would provide.

Javorius “Buck” Allen had 12 yards during the loss, playing behind now-sidelined starter Justin Forsett. “We put ourselves in a position to win the ballgame and I failed the team”.

The Baltimore Ravens (5-10) will look to disrupt the playoff plans of a division rival for the second straight week when they travel to Paul Brown Stadium to take on the Cincinnati Bengals (11-4) January 3.

“They said everything’s going in the right direction and everything’s healing how it should”, Dalton said.

“He’s probably the best guy I’ve faced this year”, Bodine said this week.

McCarron hurt the wrist trying to gather a loose ball from Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Ware following a fumble and said, according to ESPN, “Diving for the football, and it just happened”. Now we have to try to replicate that blueprint.

Mallett faced the Steelers and completed 28 of 41 for 274 yards and a touchdown in his first action since October 18 with Houston, and Harbaugh praised the offense for giving the defense ideal circumstances.

MALLETT’S ENCORE: The Ravens signed Ryan Mallett because of injuries to Joe Flacco and backup Matt Schaub. He’ll make his eighth career start Sunday. “Winning those games is definitely a measuring stick of how good you are”.

McCarron went to the Bengals in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. The Bengals have been effective against the run this season, but allowed over 100 rushing yards last week and could see themselves allowing that much again.

FAST FACTS: Ravens WR Kamar Aiken needs five catches to set the franchise record for consecutive games (nine) with at least five receptions.