Eagles at Ravens: Preview, Prediction, Odds
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens
The Philadelphia Eagles take a short trip to Baltimore, MD to take on the Baltimore Ravens in a cross-conference Week 15 matchup. Both teams come into the game off of a Week 14 loss, but with different circumstances as the year is coming to a close.
Ironically, both teams started the year 3-0, but for the Eagles, the happiness of winning has vanished. Philadelphia has lost eight of their last 10 games, falling to 5-8. Barring the most miraculous football miracle, they’re out of playoff contention.
It may sound like a wasted season for the Eagles, but their rookie quarterback Carson Wentz has started every game this season and gained important experience and knowledge of the NFL landscape. The Eagles have been exposed a ton this season and have lost four-straights games. They are also only 1-6 on the road this season, so traveling for an away game should be a scary sight for Eagles fans.
On the flip side, the Ravens have played their best football at home. They are 5-2 while playing in front of their home crowd and have won four of their last six games. Joe Flacco has had an interesting year, but has a great matchup this week against the Eagles secondary that has been torched all season. Baltimore is looking to make a run to the playoffs, but they need to win the rest of their games in order to do so. Every game is technically a “must-win” game, but this “must-win” game is the most important of the season for the Ravens.
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Eagles Keys To Victory
Figure Out The Offensive Line: If you watched the Eagles Week 14 game, you watched the Eagles offensive line play terrible. In their defense, offensive guard Brandon Brooks wasn’t able to play the day of the game, so adding that with their injuries and the suspension to Lane Johnson, it was a tough day.
Run The Ball: Ready for a mind-blowing stat? The Eagles have thrown the ball 106 times the past two games. Their running backs have only received 38 carries in those two games. That’s a recipe for losing, hence why they lost their last two games. Philadelphia needs to help out their rookie quarterback and run the ball.
Get Trey Burton and Zach Ertz Involved Early and Often: The two tight ends combined for 14 receptions, 132 yards, and a score last Sunday. Considering the Eagles lack targets in the passing game, they need to utilize their two tight ends and target them early an often.
Ravens Keys to Victory
Stop the Run: The Eagles have struggled to run the ball and if the Ravens can take that away from them for the third-straight week, it could be a demoralizing blow for Philadelphia. It will force Philly to be a one-dimensional offense, with limited weapons to make plays in the passing game.
Test The Eagles’ Offensive Line: Philly’s offensive line has played terrible as of late, so the Ravens need to send every blitz in their arsenal. If they can switch it up and keep Philadelphia’s offensive line guessing, they will have a ton of success getting to Wentz.
Bombs Away: The Ravens need to show the Eagles that Flacco has a cannon and wide receiver Mike Wallace is very fast. Philadelphia’s cornerbacks have been getting burnt all season and the Ravens should continue that trend. Philly surrendered an 80-yard touchdown pass last week, so Baltimore needs to see if they can surrender another one on Sunday.
Odds
Point Spread: Baltimore -5.5
Moneyline: Philadelphia +200, Baltimore -240
Over/Under: 40.5
Prediction
Baltimore is known for having a tough defense, which isn’t good news for Philadelphia. Philly has struggled to help their rookie quarterback and that should continue on Sunday. Wentz is going to have one of his worst games of the season while Flacco is going to have one of his best games of the season. Flacco ends the day with 300 plus yards and three scores, leading his team to an easy victory and keeping their playoff hopes alive and well.
Pick: Philadelphia Eagles: 17, Baltimore Ravens: 28