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The Ravens and Jaguars will face off for the 19th time on Sunday in a game that looks more like a contest to determine the draft order than anything else. The game should be a high scoring one, as both teams have the ability to put some points on the board all while they can't seem to stop anything on defense.
The Ravens offense should have no trouble against the Jaguars defense. The Jaguars have the 30th ranked scoring defense, allowing 29.4 points a game. The Ravens should also have an easy day in the passing game, as the Jaguars have the NFLs 25th ranked passing defense, as opposing passers have been able to complete 193 of 295 passes for 2,108 yards, 14 touchdowns, and three interceptions for a 99.9 QBR. The Jaguars also have the 18th ranked pass rush with 18 sacks. Joe Flacco and the NFLs 10th best passing offense should have a field day against a young and inexperienced Jaguars defense.
What makes this matchup interesting is that the Ravens will be without their veteran wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. for the first time this season. After tearing his Achilles against the San Diego Chargers in week 8, the Ravens immediately went on their bye. They did acquire former Saints wide receiver Joe Morgan, but it will take some time before he is acclimated with the offense and gels with Joe Flacco enough to play a large amount of snaps. In Smith's place is Chris Givens, who when given the chances, has put up some success.
The Ravens might not have the same success on the ground however, as the Jaguars have the fourth best rushing defense in the league, allowing opponents to run for 754 yards off of 234 carries, or 94.3 yards per game. The Jaguars run defense does not hold up when it comes to preventing the opposition to score, as the Jaguars have allowed 11 rushing touchdowns this season, which puts them in a tie with Green Bay for the 24th worst rushing defense in terms of touchdowns allowed. The Ravens might have a hard time running the ball, but if they make it to the goal line, they might have a little more luck.
The Ravens might have some difficulty running the ball, but they should have an easy time moving the ball through the air and they should still be able to put up points. The Ravens offense beats the Jaguars defense.