Ravens vs. Rams: Week 12 Preview

Overtime Heroics Editorial

2115 days ago

Monday Night Football will feature the Baltimore Ravens vs. Los Angeles Rams. Both teams have been playing all season with the desires of a deep playoff run. The Ravens are comfortably in the driver’s seat in the AFC North while the Rams are losing grip on a wild card spot. The NFC as a whole is top-heavy. At least one of the wild card teams will have a better record than the NFC East division champion. Needless to say, this game is essential for Sean McVay’s team to have a chance at the postseason.

Two Potential Playoff Teams

Week 12 Preview: What to Watch For

Quarterback Production

Lamar Jackson has been in the MVP conversation pretty much all season, so there are not many questions there. He’s shown the ability to run the ball as well as many running backs and answered questions about his ability to throw by posting a perfect passer rating in two games. If the Rams defensive secondary is unable to lock up receivers and allow the front seven to sack him multiple times, Jackson will have another field day.

Lamar Jackson looks to continue his MVP bid in week 12 vs. the Rams — *Lamar Jackson, (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)*

On the other hand, Jared Goff has been quietly struggling. He has 11 touchdowns and ten interceptions on the season. In the Rams last two games, Goff has three interceptions and zero touchdowns and only three games the entire season with more touchdown passes than interceptions. If the Rams stand a chance, they’ll need to score early and often. Goff will be vital to their success Monday night.

Can Jared Goff get on track in week 12? — *Jared Goff, AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster*

Paging Todd Gurley

Gurley hasn’t been the same running back this season. While his 4.1 yards per attempt looks decent at first glance, Gurley has only averaged over four yards per carry in three games and has yet to have a 100-yard rushing game. If Goff struggles to throw against the Ravens secondary, the offense will need to run through Gurley. The Ravens are ranked seventh in rushing defense, so that may be a tall order.

Todd Gurley looks to get his first 100-yard game in week 12 — *Todd Gurley (right), Photo by Jon SooHoo/UPI*

Ravens Receivers

The Ravens tight end trio are Jackson’s go-to. Mark Andrews, Nick Boyle, and Hayden Hurst are all top five in receptions on the team. Look for that trend to continue as Marquise Brown continues to deal with his nagging ankle injury.

Who to Take to Vegas

The smart money will be on the Ravens winning this one outright. The combination of Jackson and Mark Ingram running the ball, even against the fifth-ranked rushing defense, may prove to be too much.

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