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CINCINNATI — — The 70th "Battle of Ohio" holds one guarantee, barring a tie, of course.

One of Ohio's NFL teams will enjoy their first victory of the season around 4:15 p.m.

The game will be decided in the trenches with the Bengals' offensive line attempting to protect quarterback Carson Palmer and create slivers of daylight for tailback Chris Perry against the Browns' massive defensive front led by nose tackle Shaun Rogers, the 350-pound monster in the middle.

"They're regarded as a big, physical front, given that they've got all the poundage," Bengals left offensive tackle Levi Jones said. "But we've got to out-aggressive them."

Keys for Bengals

Protect Palmer: Cincinnati has yielded nine sacks and is on pace to give up 48, nearly triple its 2007 total when it set a franchise record for pass protection with only 17 sacks allowed.

Contain the run: Browns tailback Jamal Lewis has 1,551 rushing yards in 13 games against the Bengals, including 308 (216 and 92) in 2007. He's a load.

Many happy returns: Kickoff returner Glenn Holt (a 24.9-yard average) and punt returner Antonio Chatman (10.5) have been pleasant surprises. More big returns could ignite some offensive fireworks.

Keys for Browns

Keep on pounding: Cleveland needs to remain committed to the run. Lewis is a big, fast and powerful back. At some point, the Bengals' run defense will break down. It usually does.

Stay up-tempo: Quarterback Derek Anderson's confidence can finally be restored with quick-rhythm passes to Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow, who present mismatches in the secondary.

Stick of dynamite: Kick-returner Joshua Cribbs aims for his fifth straight game with 100-plus kick return yards against the Bengals.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com.

Sunday's Game

Who: Bengals (0-3) vs. Browns (0-3)

When: 1 p.m.

TV: WHIO-TV (CBS, Ch. 7)

Radio: WTUE-FM (104.7), WONE-AM (980)