A week after Joe Burrow threw four touchdown passes in Miami, the Bengals head into an even louder challenge: M&T Bank Stadium and a Ravens team trying to erase a frustrating 13-10 loss to Cleveland. Sunday’s AFC North showdown brings two close rivals together with the season beginning to take shape. Baltimore is 4-2, Cincinnati is 3-2, and both teams are chasing a return to the playoffs after difficult seasons a year ago.

The biggest question in Baltimore is whether Lamar Jackson can play through an ankle issue after limited practice. If he is ready, the Ravens can attack from every direction. Jackson has thrown six touchdown passes in four games, but his quick feet are just as important. Defenders must watch him as a passer, then suddenly chase him when he escapes the pocket.

That creates room for Derrick Henry, Baltimore’s powerful running back. Henry has already run for 534 yards and seven touchdowns. He runs with the force of a rolling freight train, and Baltimore averages more than 150 rushing yards per game because opponents must work hard to bring him down. The Ravens will want Henry to control the pace, keep drives moving, and make life easier for Jackson.

Cincinnati knows it must stand firm against that ground attack. The Bengals have allowed more yards than they have gained this season, a warning that their defense needs more stops at key moments. Still, Cincinnati showed its playmaking ability in the win over Miami. The defense picked off two passes, while Burrow calmly spread the ball to several targets.

Burrow’s next challenge is facing a Baltimore defense that gives up only about 311 yards per game. That number shows a unit that makes offenses earn every step. Burrow will look for Ja’Marr Chase, who has four touchdown catches, when Cincinnati needs a burst of speed. Tee Higgins brings a different kind of problem with his size and strong hands; his 423 receiving yards lead the Bengals. Chase Brown can help, too, as a runner and pass catcher, but Cincinnati needs a steadier rushing game after averaging fewer than 83 rushing yards per contest.

Baltimore also has a fast answer through the air. Zay Flowers has caught 32 passes for 471 yards, often turning short throws into long gains with sharp moves. Mark Andrews gives Jackson another experienced target near the end zone. If Baltimore’s questionable linemen can play, the Ravens could build the kind of balanced attack that is hard to slow down.

This game may come down to which team handles the tense moments better. Cincinnati’s passing stars can light up any field, and Burrow enters hot after his four-touchdown day. But Baltimore is at home, has gained more yards than its opponents, and owns a powerful run game built for a physical division battle. Prediction: The Ravens will win a close, hard-fought game.

Ravens and Bengals Bring AFC North Heat to Baltimore