Five things to watch in Week 13 matchup between Ravens and Bengals

The Ravens and Bengals are set for an intriguing first of two matchups over the next two weeks, with a game against the hated Steelers sandwiched in between. Baltimore is 32-26 vs. Cincinnati all-time in regular-season play.Including a 19-15 mark under head coach John Harbaugh.

With kickoff fast approaching, we're looking at five things to watch.

Joe Burrow is back--Can he save the Bengals?

The Bengals are 3-8, and while their playoff hopes have all but evaporated, they'll welcome Joe Burrow back to the lineup on Thanksgiving night against the Baltimore Ravens. Head coach Zac Taylor confirmed the news on Monday ahead of Cincinnati's first practice of the week, and the team activated the quarterback following Wednesday's practice.

With Burrow out of the lineup, Cincinnati (3-8) has gone 1-8 without its star quarterback this season. The Bengals are looking to end a four-game skid Sunday against the Ravens (6-5). Burrow has been efficient against Baltimore, but his defense has let him down. In his last two games against the Ravens, both losses, Burrow is 64 of 95 passing for 820 yards, nine touchdowns, and one interception.

Can the poor Bengals defense stop the Ravens?

Defensively, the Bengals have shown improvement in several key areas over the past two games, allowing 20 points to Pittsburgh’s offense in Week 11 and 19 points to New England’s in Week 12. Now comes Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and an explosive Ravens offense looking to get back on track.

Ja'Marr Chase is back.

Chase, whose 79 receptions and 861 receiving yards this season both rank in the top five among all pass catchers, will be without his running mate, Tee Higgins, but he's had some explosive moments against this Baltimore secondary. In eight games against Baltimore, Chase has been dominant, logging 58 receptions for 962 yards (16.6) and eight TDs; One rush for zero yards.

Ravens looking to make history.

Baltimore could have three players make NFL and franchise history.

1 – Catch needed by WR DeAndre Hopkins to reach 1,000 for his career.3 – Catches needed by TE Mark Andrews (469) to set the Ravens' career record, currently held by WR Derrick Mason(471). Andrews already owns the franchise's all-time marks for receiving yards (5,815) and receiving TDs (56).19 – Rushing yards RB Derrick Henry (12,294) needs to pass legendary Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown (12,312) for 11th on the NFL's all-time list.

Can Cincinnati survive Baltimore under the lights?

22-4 – The Ravens' record at home in primetime games since 2008 (John Harbaugh Era), ranking as the NFL's best such mark.44-20 – Baltimore's overall record in primetime games since 2008 (John Harbaugh Era), which stands No. 1 in the NFL.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens vs. Bengals: Five things to watch in Week 13