The Cincinnati Bengals again tackle an AFC North opponent, this time in a Week 7 bout with the Baltimore Ravens.

Those Ravens are one of the league’s most interesting teams at 5-1 despite a wealth of injury woes, mostly due to the elite play of quarterback Lamar Jackson.

To get a better look at the contest, we sat down with Ravens Wire managing editor Kevin Oestreicher.

Bengals Wire: There’s a lot of chatter about Lamar Jackson’s play but what it boils down to is simple -- does he look better than last year? He’s the primary reason Baltimore continues to overcome major injury woes, right?

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap (96) is able to sack Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) in spite of being blocked by Ravens offensive tackle Orlando Brown (78) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Ravens Wire: Jackson absolutely looks better this year He’s playing with a lot more poise and confidence on the field, and he’s taken the leap that many anticipated he would in his fourth season. Teams have tried to key in on the Ravens’ run game to force Jackson to beat them with his arm, and he’s done it multiple times. He’s a key reason as to why Baltimore is 5-1 despite how many injuries they’ve gone through.

Bengals Wire: Speaking of injuries, are any of the names on the injury report that big of a concern heading into Sunday?

Nov 10, 2019; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) breaks away from Baltimore Ravens cornerback Anthony Averett (34) during the fourth quarter at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

Ravens Wire: Baltimore ruled out both running back Latavius Murray and wide receiver Sammy Watkins on Friday. Murray has helped soften the blow of losing both J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards for the season, while Watkins has been a solid veteran presence in the passing game. Other than those two, it feels like players who are carrying a questionable tag such as offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva, center Bradley Bozeman, inside linebacker Patrick Queen and cornerback Tavon Young will play.

Bengals Wire: Odafe Oweh has been a massive breakout as another plug-and-fill, seamless piece for the Ravens defense. Are there any other underrated names Bengals fans should know before the game?

Oct 11, 2020; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) rolls out to pass during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Ravens Wire: Oweh has been great this year, but a few other underrated players to monitor on the Ravens’ defense are cornerback Anthony Averett and safety Chuck Clark. Outside of Week 5, Averett has filled in well for the injured Marcus Peters, while Clark has played phenomenal football, lining up at many different positions on the defense.

Bengals Wire: Defensively, it’s clear units need to stop throwing single coverage at Ja’Marr Chase. Is this the week that changes and who will the Ravens task with shuttering him?

Jan 3, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) hands off during the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

Ravens Wire: Baltimore is an aggressive blitzing defense, but they also don’t like giving up things deep. They will let offenses take the short stuff underneath while trusting their red zone defense to get the job done. Chase is a big play threat every time he lines up, and the Ravens will certainly do everything they can to stop him. It wouldn’t be shocking to see Marlon Humphrey shadow him, but Averett could also get opportunities on the rookie with his speed.

Bengals Wire: How do you see this one playing out?

Jan 3, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins (27) runs with the ball past Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Darius Phillips (23) and defensive end Amani Bledsoe (91) in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

Ravens Wire: I think that Cincinnati is a much improved team and could definitely give the Ravens a run for their money. However, while the Bengals are on a roll, so is Baltimore, and I believe the Lamar Jackson effect (and maybe the Justin Tucker effect as well), will mean the Ravens come out on top. Ravens 33, Bengals 23