Game story
In Week 1 of the 2008 NFL season on 2008-09-07, the Baltimore Ravens took care of business against the Cincinnati Bengals, pulling away with a 17–10 final that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 7 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
J. Flacco (Baltimore Ravens) paced the passing game, with -3.81 total EPA, and -13.3% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, D. Mason (Baltimore Ravens) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +5.75 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-14.2% win probability) landed in the opening quarter when Cincinnati Bengals changed the game: (5:29) 9-C.Palmer pass intended for 85-C.Johnson INTERCEPTED by 21-C.McAlister (20-E.Reed) at BAL 6. 21-C.McAlister to BAL 22 for 16 yards (9-C.Palmer).
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati Bengals | 0 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 10 |
| Baltimore Ravens | 7 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 17 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 D. Mason · Baltimore Ravens · Receiving · +5.75 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.44 EPA/play
- 2 M. Clayton · Baltimore Ravens · Rushing · +3.72 total EPA · 1 snaps · +3.72 EPA/play
- 3 C. Johnson · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +2.66 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.66 EPA/play
- 4 M. Clayton · Baltimore Ravens · Receiving · +2.55 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.85 EPA/play
- 5 L. McClain · Baltimore Ravens · Receiving · +2.37 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.19 EPA/play
- 6 T. Houshmandzadeh · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +2.21 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.74 EPA/play
- 7 R. Kelly · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +1.24 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.24 EPA/play
- 8 L. McClain · Baltimore Ravens · Rushing · +1.18 total EPA · 19 snaps · +0.06 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
D. Mason — BAL · Receiving
D. Mason posted the highest total EPA (+5.75) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Baltimore Ravens's efficiency. Across 4 counted snaps, they averaged +1.44 EPA per play.
The signature play (-11.53 EPA) came from Baltimore Ravens: (10:29) 27-R.Rice to CIN 29 for -6 yards (93-R.Jeanty). FUMBLES (93-R.Jeanty), RECOVERED by CIN-22-J.Joseph at CIN 35. 22-J.Joseph for 65 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Baltimore Ravens — M. Clayton
- Baltimore Ravens — J. Flacco
- Cincinnati Bengals — J. Joseph
Field goals
- Baltimore Ravens — M. Stover
- Cincinnati Bengals — S. Graham
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Baltimore Ravens won the period 7–0. Baltimore Ravens found the end zone from the CIN 42 (Q1 47:27) — (2:27) 89-M.Clayton left end for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Mark Clayton scores on double reverse from Derrick Mason.; Baltimore Ravens added 1 points from the CIN 2 (Q1 47:12) — 3-M.Stover extra point is GOOD, Center-70-M.Katula, Holder-4-S.Koch..
The second quarter: The quarter finished even at 3–3. Baltimore Ravens connected on a field goal from the CIN 3 (Q2 31:46) — (1:46) (Field Goal formation) 3-M.Stover 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-70-M.Katula, Holder-4-S.Koch.; Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the BAL 25 (Q2 30:09) — (:09) 17-S.Graham 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson..
The third quarter: Baltimore Ravens won the period 7–0. Baltimore Ravens found the end zone from the CIN 38 (Q3 15:27) — (:27) 5-J.Flacco scrambles right end for 38 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Baltimore Ravens added 1 points from the CIN 2 (Q3 15:15) — 3-M.Stover extra point is GOOD, Center-70-M.Katula, Holder-4-S.Koch..
The fourth quarter: Cincinnati Bengals won the period 7–0. Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the CIN 23 (Q4 10:29); Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the BAL 2 (Q4 10:15) — 17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q1 50:29) — (5:29) 9-C.Palmer pass intended for 85-C.Johnson INTERCEPTED by 21-C.McAlister (20-E.Reed) at BAL 6. 21-C.McAlister to BAL 22 for 16 yards (9-C.Palmer).
- Baltimore Ravens (Q1 59:19) — (14:19) 5-J.Flacco pass short left to 86-T.Heap to BAL 37 for 9 yards (92-F.Rucker). FUMBLES (92-F.Rucker), RECOVERED by CIN-91-R.Geathers at BAL 33. 91-R.Geathers to BAL 33 for no gain (78-A.Terry).
- Baltimore Ravens (Q4 10:29) — (10:29) 27-R.Rice to CIN 29 for -6 yards (93-R.Jeanty). FUMBLES (93-R.Jeanty), RECOVERED by CIN-22-J.Joseph at CIN 35. 22-J.Joseph for 65 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Baltimore Ravens (Q1 47:27) — (2:27) 89-M.Clayton left end for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Mark Clayton scores on double reverse from Derrick Mason.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q2 32:48) — (2:48) 23-C.Perry left tackle to CIN 35 for 5 yards. FUMBLES, RECOVERED by BAL-21-C.McAlister at CIN 40. 21-C.McAlister to CIN 29 for 11 yards. PENALTY on BAL-92-H.Ngata, Illegal Block Above the Waist
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Baltimore Ravens (Q4 10:29) — (10:29) 27-R.Rice to CIN 29 for -6 yards (93-R.Jeanty). FUMBLES (93-R.Jeanty), RECOVERED by CIN-22-J.Joseph at CIN 35. 22-J.Joseph for 65 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q1 50:29) — (5:29) 9-C.Palmer pass intended for 85-C.Johnson INTERCEPTED by 21-C.McAlister (20-E.Reed) at BAL 6. 21-C.McAlister to BAL 22 for 16 yards (9-C.Palmer).
- Baltimore Ravens (Q1 59:19) — (14:19) 5-J.Flacco pass short left to 86-T.Heap to BAL 37 for 9 yards (92-F.Rucker). FUMBLES (92-F.Rucker), RECOVERED by CIN-91-R.Geathers at BAL 33. 91-R.Geathers to BAL 33 for no gain (78-A.Terry).
- Baltimore Ravens (Q1 47:27) — (2:27) 89-M.Clayton left end for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Mark Clayton scores on double reverse from Derrick Mason.
Quarterback report card
J.Flacco led all passers in efficiency for Baltimore Ravens, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- J.Flacco (Baltimore Ravens) · 30 dropbacks · 50.0% completion · -13.3% CPOE · -0.13 EPA/play · -3.81 total EPA
- C.Palmer (Cincinnati Bengals) · 30 dropbacks · 33.3% completion · -17.3% CPOE · -0.44 EPA/play · -13.29 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Cincinnati Bengals | Baltimore Ravens |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.343 | -0.188 |
| Offensive success rate | 33.3% | 44.6% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.443 | -0.127 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.523 | -0.168 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.188 | +0.343 |
| Defensive success rate | 55.4% | 66.7% |
By the numbers
Baltimore Ravens held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (-0.19 vs -0.34), even if the scoreboard told a different story.
- Baltimore Ravens: 14 drives, -17.29 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- Cincinnati Bengals: 13 drives, -23.68 total EPA, 1 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Baltimore Ravens leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
- D. Mason (Baltimore Ravens) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- J. Flacco (BAL) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
- C. Palmer (CIN) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Baltimore Ravens TD (+6) — Q1 47:27 · CIN 42 · Score 0-6
(2:27) 89-M.Clayton left end for 42 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Mark Clayton scores on double reverse from Derrick Mason. - Baltimore Ravens XP (+1) — Q1 47:12 · CIN 2 · Score 0-7
3-M.Stover extra point is GOOD, Center-70-M.Katula, Holder-4-S.Koch. - Baltimore Ravens FG (+3) — Q2 31:46 · CIN 3 · Score 0-10
(1:46) (Field Goal formation) 3-M.Stover 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-70-M.Katula, Holder-4-S.Koch. - Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — Q2 30:09 · BAL 25 · Score 3-10
(:09) 17-S.Graham 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson. - Baltimore Ravens TD (+6) — Q3 15:27 · CIN 38 · Score 3-16
(:27) 5-J.Flacco scrambles right end for 38 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Baltimore Ravens XP (+1) — Q3 15:15 · CIN 2 · Score 3-17
3-M.Stover extra point is GOOD, Center-70-M.Katula, Holder-4-S.Koch. - Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q4 10:29 · CIN 23 · Score 9-17
(10:29) 27-R.Rice to CIN 29 for -6 yards (93-R.Jeanty). FUMBLES (93-R.Jeanty), RECOVERED by CIN-22-J.Joseph at CIN 35. 22-J.Joseph for 65 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q4 10:15 · BAL 2 · Score 10-17
17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Cincinnati Bengals vs Baltimore Ravens?
The Baltimore Ravens beat the Cincinnati Bengals 17-10 in Week 1, 2008 on 2008-09-07.
What was the final score of Cincinnati Bengals vs Baltimore Ravens?
The final score was Cincinnati Bengals 10, Baltimore Ravens 17 (CIN 10-17 BAL) in Week 1, 2008 on 2008-09-07.
What was the score by quarter in Cincinnati Bengals vs Baltimore Ravens?
Q1: Cincinnati Bengals 0, Baltimore Ravens 7; Q2: Cincinnati Bengals 3, Baltimore Ravens 3; Q3: Cincinnati Bengals 0, Baltimore Ravens 7; Q4: Cincinnati Bengals 7, Baltimore Ravens 0; Final: Cincinnati Bengals 10, Baltimore Ravens 17.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Cincinnati Bengals vs Baltimore Ravens?
Baltimore Ravens touchdown — M. Clayton (Q1 47:27) Baltimore Ravens touchdown — J. Flacco (Q3 15:27) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — J. Joseph (Q4 10:29) Baltimore Ravens field goal — M. Stover (Q2 31:46, 3 pts) Cincinnati Bengals field goal — S. Graham (Q2 30:09, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Cincinnati Bengals vs Baltimore Ravens?
J. Flacco (Baltimore Ravens), 50.0% completion, -13.3% CPOE, -0.13 EPA per dropback, -3.81 total passing EPA. C. Palmer (Cincinnati Bengals), 33.3% completion, -17.3% CPOE, -0.44 EPA per dropback, -13.29 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Cincinnati Bengals vs Baltimore Ravens?
D. Mason (Baltimore Ravens) led the game in total EPA with +5.75 on receiving plays. across 4 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-11.53 EPA): (10:29) 27-R.Rice to CIN 29 for -6 yards (93-R.Jeanty). FUMBLES (93-R.Jeanty), RECOVERED by CIN-22-J.Joseph at CIN 35. 22-J.Joseph for 65 yards, TOUCHDOWN.. The biggest win-probability swing was -14.2%.
Was Cincinnati Bengals vs Baltimore Ravens a close game?
Yes — the margin was 7 points. Baltimore Ravens won 17-10 in a game that stayed a one-score game deep into the second half.
Season records after this game
Cincinnati Bengals
Now 0-1 L
Baltimore Ravens
Now 1-0 W
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