When your goal is to go 1-0 every week, every game becomes a must-win. The Cincinnati Bengals have the right mindset even if they're only looking at Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens.

This year's iteration of the Ravens do things a bit differently on offense, and they already showed the ability to change things up defensively in Week 1. The Bengals may know them intimately, but how much prior knowledge will help them this weekend?

That's what the Bengals will find out when both teams take the field. Let's see what A to Z Sports Ravens beat writer Steve Zavala has in terms of intel.

JS: The Ravens finally have a new offense for Lamar Jackson. How did the passing game look under Todd Monken in Week 1? 

SV: Considering all the hype that the Baltimore Ravens’ new-look offense received ahead of the season, the unit did not necessarily wow right out of the gate. Lamar Jackson showed signs of rust early on, but he did manage to get going as the game went on. There was much that stood out from Todd Monken’s first game as Ravens offensive coordinator, including his heavy reliance on having three wide receivers on the field. Whether it was under 11 or 20 personnel, he strived to open up the passing game for Jackson, although this could all change once Mark Andrews makes his return from injury.

JS: Zay Flowers looks to be one of the early candidates for Offensive Rookie of the Year following an exciting training camp and preseason. How should the Bengals expect him to be used?

SV: Zay Flowers was the do-it-all player for the Ravens in Week 1. He was called upon quite a bit by Jackson in the short passing game, and the former Boston College standout used his quick speed to pick up crucial yards. Overall, 54 out of his 78 receiving yards against the Houston Texans came via yards after the catch. Monken also called a pair of rush attempt plays for Flowers, and the rookie tallied nine rushing yards. Cincinnati’s linebackers group should see plenty of Flowers in Week 2.

JS: Injuries are obviously a big story for the Ravens after one game. What's the latest on key players like Mark Andrews, Ronnie Stanley, and other players of note?

SV: As in previous Ravens vs. Bengals matchups, there will very likely be multiple Baltimore players who will be ruled out for Week 2. Among them, Ronnie Stanley (knee) and Tyler Linerbaum (ankle) each have not practiced this week due to an injury that they suffered in Week 1. Look for Patrick Mekari to start at left tackle against the Bengals, while Sam Mustipher is expected to fill in for Linderbaum at center. Mark Andrews’ status against the Bengals is still up in the air. He has been dealing with a nagging quad injury for weeks, which ended up sidelining him from Baltimore’s home matchup against the Texans. He did note on Thursday that he is “continuing to get better day by day.” Expect the three-time Pro Bowler to be a game-time decision on Sunday. Marcus Williams (pec) and Marlon Humphrey (not been cleared to practice since undergoing foot surgery) each are not expected to play on Sunday.

JS: The Ravens blitzed a ton last week. Was that a product of playing against a rookie QB, or should the Bengals expect the same with Joe Burrow still rusty?

SV: Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald was quite aggressive in his play calling in Week 1. Baltimore blitzed on 26.4 percent of drop backs and also notched a 26.4 percent quarterback pressures per drop back mark in Week 1 — both of which are up from the 2022 season. Macdonald allowed for Patrick Queen and Roquan Smith to regularly pressure Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, and it ended up adding another dimension to Baltimore’s pass rush. The two middle linebackers combined for 12 blitzes in Week 1. Expect more of the same from them against Joe Burrow on Sunday.

JS: Let's get a score prediction. Who you got taking this one?

SV: I do not expect the Ravens offense to once again look rusty and for Joe Burrow to have back-to-back sluggish performances. I see the Ravens picking up a 34-31 win over the Bengals.

All-Pro pass rusher has Joe Burrow’s back after rough start to year

Good on him to use his platform for good.

Featured image via © Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK