Bengals Bytes (1/3): No rest

Here's why Cincinnati Bengals won't rest starters vs. Baltimore Ravens
The Cincinnati Bengals (11-4) will close out their 2015 regular season when they welcome a division rival to town at 1 p.m. ET Sunday. The Ravens (5-10) are eager to prevent the Bengals from getting their first 12-win season since 1988. Here are things to watch for during the game.

Bengals' Film Session: Reason for 2nd half woes
Every week, we go into the film room with former Bengals safety Chris Crocker. He retired in 2013 after 11 seasons in the league and 71 games with the Bengals. He'll dive into the game film to provide his unique insight into what the Bengals are doing right and wrong as the season progresses. This week, Crocker jumps onto the iPad to examine how A.J. Green went from five receptions for 57 yards in the first half against Denver on Monday to not catching a ball after the break.

Bengals-Ravens: Facts, figures, stats, injuries, notes and a prediction
Here is a closer look at Sunday's Bengals game against the Baltimore Ravens. Including Richard Skinner's prediction, injury report, betting lines, and other fun facts for today's game.

Bengals-Ravens: Predictions, 3 keys
Taking a look at the three keys for the Bengals' regular-season finale against the Ravens at Paul Brown Stadium, and predictions from Bengals beat writers Jim Owczarski and Paul Dehner Jr. Including the defenses performance in the second half.

A lot on table for Bengals in Ravenous finale
The play-action poet is at it again. The 11-4 Bengals head into Sunday’s regular-season finale at Paul Brown Stadium (1 p.m.-Cincinnati’s Channel 19) against the 5-10 Ravens with the chance to give Marvin Lewis his most wins in 13 seasons as Bengals head coach against the Ravens defense he coached to greatness 15 years ago. (Naturally, his big defensive tackle from those 2000 Super Bowl champs, Tony Siragusa, is on the PBS sidelines as a FOX analyst.)  The Bengals.com Media Roundtable can whiff an AFC North game a Mile High away. So despite the Bengals losing a heart-breaking overtime game Monday night in Denver and the Ravens hatching an upset of Pittsburgh, the panel anticipates another grind job Cincinnati needs to get one last outside shot at a post-season bye.

Behind Enemy Lines

Ravens' John Harbaugh on Ryan Mallett: 'Risk is still out there'
Ryan Mallett had an outstanding start for the Baltimore Ravens last Sunday, when he passed for a career-best 274 yards in an upset win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The emphasis, however, is on start. Mallett and the Ravens both agree he still has plenty to prove.

During most trying season as Ravens coach, John Harbaugh held team together - Baltimore Sun
After the Ravens' final practice before last Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, veteran guard Marshal Yanda stepped into the middle of the team's huddle. He had something that he wanted to say to his longtime head coach. Speaking on behalf of his Ravens teammates, Yanda thanked John Harbaugh for giving the players the previous day off to celebrate Christmas. He expressed his appreciation for the unwavering belief and support Harbaugh has shown during this challenging season. Yanda then promised Harbaugh that the players would give their coach their very best against the heavily-favored Steelers.

Shareece Wright makes case to return to Ravens - Baltimore Sun
When cornerback Shareece Wright signed a one-year deal with the Ravens in mid-October, he didn’t look it as a temporary move before again hitting the free-agent market after the season. The former starter with the San Diego Chargers wanted to establish himself with his new team and stay around. Wright, 28, said that he hasn’t had any discussions with the Ravens about a contract for next season. However, he would welcome such talks.

Random Bytes

Charles Woodson preps for finale to 18-year career
Charles Woodson will end his career where it began. The 39-year-old Pro Bowl safety will play his final NFL contest Sunday when the Oakland Raiders visit the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium, the same location as his first NFL game in Week 1 of 1998. Woodson penned a farewell column for ESPN.com detailing the final installment of his NFL journey.

Renck: Broncos need a super regular-season finale
The Broncos only play close games. Nothing is given Sunday. They need a victory, and to also show they are ready for a deep playoff run.

NFL Week 17 predictions: Bet big on Packers over Vikings, Jets over Bills, Patriots over Dolphins - NFL Nation- ESPN
NFL Nation reporters make their weekend picks, which include a consensus on the game of the week between Packers and Vikings.

Dennis Hickey, Miami Dolphins part ways
The Miami Dolphins have parted ways with general manager Dennis Hickey after two seasons, the team announced Saturday night. This means the Dolphins will be searching for a new general manager and a head coach this offseason.