“This is the match Ravens fans would want,” NBC Sports’ Andrew Gillis wrote. “The Titans have by far the worst defense on this list, and with the Ravens’ offense improving every week, it could cause problems with the Titans allowing Baker Mayfield and Aaron Rodgers to handle it relatively easily.
“Coach Mike Vrabel will definitely have a plan for Lamar Jackson if the two meet, and [Derrick] Henry, along with AJ Brown and Corey Davis, is not fun to play. But if the Ravens are healthy in second place, they should leave Nashville with a win. Nor will it hurt the Ravens to avenge last year’s playoff loss. ‘
Experts believe the Ravens can utilize a Titans defense that allows 394.4 total yards per game and 122.5 running yards per game this season. Since Tennessee’s overtime win over Baltimore in Week 11, they have allowed opponents to score 25 points or more in four of their last six games in the regular season.
“Tennessee is more of an picky team than the one that won in Baltimore last year,” wrote Peter King of NBC Sports. “For the Ravens, one of the most prolific racing games in history (403 yards in Cincinnati) is a preview of how I think they’ll play this one. I’d be surprised if Baltimore does not try to stay away and use it 60 percent. of the snaps. ‘
On the other hand, the Ravens find their groove offensive. They ran for a franchise record of 404 meters in the victory over the Bengals. The combination of JK Dobbins, Gus Edwards and Mark Ingram II steamed opposite defense.
“The Titans nailed the Ravens in Week 11, but they should not be eager for a second chance at all,” wrote Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox. “With Jackson’s return to MVP form, Baltimore is able to carry out a balanced offensive attack, against which Tennessee has struggled.
‘… A Titans-Baltimore game could turn into a heavy back-and-forth shootout. Although not necessarily ideal for any team in the post-season, it could be quite disastrous for the Titans. ‘
In Week 11, the Ravens had a 21-16 lead in the fourth quarter with 2:18 left before Brown broke free from several defenders to score a 14-yard touchdown. Then Henry won it for the Titans in overtime with a 29-drop.
Despite the threat of Henry, Brown and the Tennessee offense, a vulnerable unit on the other side of the ball gives experts confidence in a Ravens team that peaks at the right time.
“Baltimore just wins with his style, and matures from a team that is more concerned with being too smart with the opponent and becoming one who stubbornly – and effectively – sticks to what he does best: manage football,” the Nick Shook, NFL.com. wrote. “Baltimore has proven over the past month that it can defend its will on opponents, and it’s up to the opposition to stop the onslaught and restrict Jackson. No one has done that since week 11 (Jackson missed week 12), drove the Ravens to an excellent position as a game card team with a chance to jump deep. ‘