The 8-5 Baltimore Ravens come off their bye week as they travel to New Jersey to take on the 2-11 New York Giants. The Ravens sit in second place in the AFC North with just four games to play and cannot afford to drop what seems to be an easy win against a Giants team that is eliminated from playoff contention, and playing now for draft positioning. The Ravens are 13-3 under head coach John Harbaugh following the bye, the second best record since 2008.
The Ravens were one of the last few teams to have their bye week, and while it was hard to get there playing 13 straight weeks, the bye was needed and in turn has the Ravens entering week 15 as one of the healthiest teams in the NFL. Outside linebacker Adisa Isaac and safety Sanoussi Kane were both dealing with hamstring injuries this week and were both limited in practice on Friday, both are currently listed as questionable for Sunday. Nose tackle Michael Pierce (calf) and cornerback T.J. Tampa (ankle), both practiced in full this week as they are looking to be activated off injured reserve. Both Pierce and Tampa are listed as questionable, and will need to be activated to the 53-man roster by Saturday at 4P.M. Both wide receiver Rashod Bateman (knee) and outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy (hamstring/neck) practiced in full this week, and do not have an injury designation for Sunday.
As for the Giants they are struggling with some injuries as they have already ruled out four players. Defensive lineman Rakeem Nunez-Roches (neck/shoulder), linebacker Bobby Okereke (back), defensive back Dru Phillips (shoulder), and offensive lineman Jon Runyan (ankle) are all out for Sunday. Defensive back Cor’Dale Flott (quad) and quarterback Drew Lock (heel/left elbow) are both listed as doubtful. Drew Lock did not practice at all this week and if he cannot go backup quarterback Tommy DeVito is expected to get his second start of the year. Defensive back Tae Banks (rib) and offensive lineman Chris Hubbard (knee) are listed as questionable. While linebacker Dyontae Johnson (ankle) and offensive lineman Austin Schlottmann (fibula) are questionable, but will need to be activated off injured.
Players to Watch:
Travis Jones
The numbers may not jump off the page at you, but what defensive tackle Travis Jones has done so far in his third NFL season as led to much of the success that the Ravens have had in stopping the run. Jones has dealt with some injuries this year that has caused him to miss some snaps, but he has yet to miss a game allowing him to rack up 30 total tackles, including one sack, and an impressive eight tackles for loss.
Jones presence has been a big help to Nnamdi Madubuike who may not surpass his 13 sack total from last year, but will likely get around 7-8 sacks by years end. The Giants rank 15th in rushing yards per game, and if the Giants stand any chance on Sunday it will be from their rushing attack meaning Jones and the rest of the Ravens defense will need to continue to step up and show why they are the number one rushing defense in the NFL.
Tyrone Tracy Jr.
The Giants may not be having the year they would have hoped for, but if their has been any positives it come from the rookie fifth-round pick out of Purdue, running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. Heading into the year the Giants were looking to replace Saquon Barkley who left in the offseason and replaced Barkley with running back Devin Singletary. But injuries and poor production as paved the way for Tracy Jr. to be the lead back as he has rushed for 664 yards, five touchdowns, while also adding 29 receptions for 219 yards.
While the Ravens shouldn’t be worried about the Giants quarterback play, they will need to keep an eye on Tracy Jr. as his quick burst and receiving ability could make what should be a dominate day for the Ravens defense, turn into a longer one if they cannot slow Tracey Jr. down.
Prediction
Sunday’s matchup on paper is expected to not be much of a contest at the current point spread sits over two touchdowns in favor of the Ravens. It is the largest point spread in the entire NFL this season, and the Ravens are 36-0 all time when favored by double digits. With all that being said anything can happen in the NFL, and games are not won on paper. But the Ravens still have something to play for and the Giants have seemingly packed it in for the year with four games left.
I expect the Ravens to start fast scoring on their first offensive possession, before you see some of the rust of the bye week kick in. I do not see Sunday being completely mistake free, as I said the Ravens are coming off their bye week and I think mistakes will happen because of that as the Ravens offense in particular looks to get back in a rhythm. But despite the Ravens not having the wire to wire perfect play, some would hope. I still see Sunday as a blowout in favor of the Ravens by a final of 31-6.
Line: Baltimore -16.5
Over/Under: 42.5
All-Time Record: Baltimore leads series 4-3
Last Meeting: 10/27/22 New York 24-20
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