Bengals Bytes (9/13): C.J. Uzomah looks back at his scouting report

'88 O-line does it one more time
It might have been center Bruce Kozerski pleading to his quarterback over his shoulder to pick out a run from the three plays Boomer Esiason had called at the line. Or over at left guard it could have been Bruce Reimers bellowing to his Hall-of-Fame neighbor as left tackle Anthony Munoz nodded while pawing at the Riverfront Stadium Astroturf. Surely, it was one of the offensive linemen saying it because running backs James Brooks and Ickey Woods were churning real estate like Drees. Truth be told it could have been their bantam of a coach who was the architect of it all saying it, probably in the fourth quarter as the Bengals line strangled another clock to death.

Game Day Info: Ravens at Bengals
The pregame party in the Jungle Zone kicks off at 5:30 p.m. Located on the east plaza level of Paul Brown Stadium, the Jungle Zone features food, drinks, giveaways and family-friendly activities including face painting.

A.J. Green says the Bengals have a player just as good as Le’Veon Bell or Todd Gurley
Not only did Mixon do some serious damage on the ground with 95 rushing yards, but the second-year running back also caught five passes for 54 yards. In an era where dual-threat running backs have become all the rage, there are some players in the Bengals locker room who believe that their guy is one of the best in the business.

Bengals tight end C.J. Uzomah puts his scouting report behind him
While the pre-draft report about C.J. Uzomah in 2015 on nfl.com stated the Auburn tight end "could become a much more productive move tight end in the pros than he was in college," the scouts weren't impressed by Uzomah's ability as a blocker.

Ravens vs. Bengals: Odds, best bets, props
In fact, the best prop bet for this Thursday Night Football matchup looks to be under 21.5 points in the first half at -105 (bet $105 to win $100). Sure, both the Bengals and Ravens combined for 81 points last week, but they were playing inferior competition in the Indianapolis Colts and Buffalo Bills.

Ravens vs. Bengals odds: Thursday Night Football picks and predictions from proven expert who's 13-4 on Cincinnati games
White, one of SportsLine's most proficient NFL prognosticators, cashed big last season in the world's most prestigious handicapping tournament, the Westgate Las Vegas SuperContest, tying for 18th out of 2,748 contestants with a 52-29-4 mark against the spread. It wasn't a fluke, either, as he also drove deep in 2015. Anyone who has followed his advice is up big.

The Times' Sam Farmer predicts Ravens will beat Bengals on 'Thursday Night Football'
Sam Farmer’s pick: The Bengals are improved on offense, but their offensive line is an issue. As usual, the Ravens have a strong defense that can exploit that. Baltimore can stop the run and its defense will force some turnovers. Ravens 21, Bengals 17

Game Preview: Ravens at Bengals
Setting the scene: After a thrilling 34-23 win at Indianapolis last week, the Cincinnati Bengals will carry considerable momentum into their nationally televised matchup with the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals scored 24 unanswered points in the second half against the Colts for a come-from-behind victory.

Ravens vs. Bengals: Thursday Night Football key matchups
The Ravens defense, on the other hand, is pretty stout. We saw how they stifled the Bills QBs en route to a six-sack day, with plenty more hits and pressures along the way. They will be hard to beat, even at home.

Random Bytes

The 7 Best Players in the NFC North. Period.
Actually, I don’t know. I’m just guessing. But it wouldn’t surprise me. From what I’ve seen, Kirk wants to win at everything. He wants to win every session in practice. Every drill. Every play. He’s not the kind of leader who will be extra vocal and all rah rah. He’s the kind of guy who will sit down on the bench and talk to you and joke around, but then he steps on the field and flips the switch. He sets the tone for everybody.

Mike Freeman's 10-Point Stance: NFL's Young Stars Can Only Hope to Be Like Gronk
Up 14-6 on the Texans late in the first half Sunday, Tom Brady did what he usually does, and he didn't leave a second to waste. Facing a 1st-and-10 at the Patriots' 41-yard line, Brady threw into double coverage, which surprised even his target, tight end Rob Gronkowski.

Jon Gruden Says Skunk Was Loose in Raiders Locker Room: 'Still at Large'
Jon Gruden's return to the Oakland Raiders has been rough so far, and Wednesday is just the latest chapter in an already eventful story. Speaking to reporters (h/t The Athletic's Lindsay Jones), Gruden said a skunk was running loose in the Raiders locker room.

Josh Allen to Start for Bills over Nathan Peterman vs. Chargers
The Buffalo Bills have named rookie Josh Allen as the team's starting quarterback over Nathan Peterman for their Week 2 game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.

NFL Insiders: What to Make of Football's Most Overrated Players and Teams?
Who had the worst letdowns in Week 1? Bleacher Report went around the league to ask scouts, coaches and players the following question: "Who was the most overrated player, coach or team you saw this week?"

Marcus Mariota Expected to Play vs. Texans with Elbow Injury 'Barring a Setback'
When the Tennessee Titans host the Houston Texans on Sunday, Marcus Mariota is expected to be under center for Tennessee despite suffering a shoulder/elbow injury against the Miami Dolphins in Week 1.

Fantasy Football Week 2: Matt Camp's Fantasy Big Board
Todd Gurley is still at the top of his game after a dominant 2018 debut against the Oakland Raiders. He should be on his way to another huge outing when he faces the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2. No team gave up more fantasy points to running backs in Week 1.