Ravens vs. Bengals final score: Cincinnati wins the battle of the backups, 23-17

The Cincinnati Bengals won the battle of the backups Sunday, topping the Baltimore Ravens, 23-17, at Paul Brown Stadium.

With both teams preparing for the playoffs, the stars in this one quickly found themselves on the sideline. QB Joe Flacco (4-of-8, 34 yards), RB Ray Rice (three carries, five yards) and WR Torrey Smith (one target) only got two series in before head coach John Harbaugh decided to pull them while QB Andy Dalton (10-of-15, 78 yards, one TD) and A.J. Green (two catches, 26 yards) managed to stay on the field for a half.

Ravens backup QB Tyrod Taylor played adequately enough in his first extensive action, completing 15 of 29 passes for 149 yards while chipping in 65 yards and a rushing touchdown on the ground. His one and only turnover proved to be costly, with DE Carlos Dunlap returning it 14 yards to the house to give the Bengals a two-score lead late in the fourth quarter.

Later on, Cincinnati easily recovered the onside kick to end the game after a 49-yard Justin Tucker field goal made things interesting with 1:26 remaining.

Injury Info: Bengals safety Chris Crocker did not return after suffering a quad injury. Taylor Mays replaced him in the lineup, but it would be a huge blow to the Cincinnati's pass defense if Mays is forced to start in the first round of the playoffs. RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis also tweaked his hamstring in the pregame warm ups and was held out as precautionary measure. It would be a surprise if he wasn't ready to go next week.

Looking Ahead: Both teams will be in action next week with the Ravens set to host the Colts and the Bengals playing either Houston, Denver or New England on the road.