On Sunday, the Green Bay Packers host the Baltimore Ravens in a game that both teams must win if they’re going to make a serious run at the playoffs. The Packers are still trying to rally behind their backup quarterback, while the Ravens are still trying to find some consistent offense. Both teams have legitimate hurdles to overcome in order to win this game. Kickoff inside Lambeau Field is at 1 PM ET.
Since 1998, the Green Bay Packers have posted a 4-1 record against the Baltimore Ravens. Green Bay has won two straight against the Ravens, but they haven’t played against each other since 2013. The last time they battled at Lambeau Field was in 2009 and the Packers won that game 27-14.
The Ravens (4-5) are coming off a much needed bye week as the team can’t seem to string together any consistent success on offense and in the win column. After embarrassing the Dolphins 40-0 one week, they turnaround and lose to the Tians 23-20 the next week. Baltimore is on the outside looking in at an AFC Wild Card spot and they need to win this week for a chance to become a real contender for one of the two wild cards.
Green Bay (5-4) got their first victory with Brett Hundley as the quarterback. They were able to go into Chicago and defeat their rivals 23-16, sweeping the Bears on the season. This week’s game might be a little more difficult as the Ravens do have a better team than the Bears, even if their record doesn’t show it. Will the Packers make it 2 straight wins or will the Ravens burst their bubble?
The Over/Under opened at 38 total points and it remains unchanged. The Ravens opened as a 2.5 point favorite, but the spread has come down slightly to 2 points.
Although the Packers got a much needed win with Hundley as quarterback, I still have no faith in the backup quarterback. And, if you look at the Ravens schedule so far, you will see that they tend to lose one week and bounce back the next. So, with that being said, this is their week to bounce back and I believe they will.
First, Green Bay will most likely be down to their 3rd string running back Jamaal Williams. Although he rushed 20 times for 67 yards, there really wasn’t one attempt that made you think he was a threat. Williams was 3rd string for a reason and that reason will be clear this weekend.
Since Green Bay won’t have a legitimate rushing threat, Baltimore will be able to limit the Packers’ passing weapons like Nelson and Adams. Hundley has developed quite the connection with Adams since he has become starter including double digit targets to Davante Adams last weekend. The Ravens have one of the best passing defenses in the league at just 200 ypg and they’re only giving up 19 ppg.
It’s not the defense that’s the problem for Baltimore, it’s their lack of consistency on offense. Most notably, it’s their quarterback Joe Flacco. The former Super Bowl MVP is leading the worst passing offense in the NFL, is 31st in passer rating, dead last in yards per attempt and has more interceptions than touchdown passes at 10-to-8. Baltimore needs Flacco to wake up, find his confidence and playmaking abilities, and lead this team to a victory this weekend.
Green Bay is 4-5 ATS this season and 1-3 ATS since Hundley took over. Green Bay is also 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games during November. The Ravens are 5-2 ATS over their last 7 games during the Weeks of 10 through 13.
I see Baltimore’s defense being the difference maker in this game. They will harass Hundley all game long, get a few turnovers and create short fields for their offense. This will definitely help Flacco and the Ravens offense put points on the scoreboard and win this game. Look for Flacco to manage the game, make just enough plays, ride the hot hand at running back and lean on the defense to make big plays. Baltimore wins 23-17.