Baltimore Ravens vs St. Louis Rams 2015: Week 11 preview

In a game where the Ravens will be honoring former Raven safety Ed Reed, they will also be looking to right their season against the St. Louis Rams or get closer to the top pick in the NFL Draft.

The Ravens (2-7) have had a disappointing season thus far due to injuries and poor play, but are beginning to get creative on how to get their talent on the field. By moving players around like cornerback Lardarius Webb to safety and bringing up newly acquired players like Shareece Wright and wide receiver Chris Givens, the Ravens are not only looking to win this Sunday, but looking towards the future and who should be here in 2016. Speaking of Givens, the new Raven will be facing off against his former team. While there seems to be no bad blood between the two, any chance you have to prove that you were right to believe in yourself to the team that let you go, it adds a little something to the matchup.

The Ravens are sitting at 4-5 and second in the NFC West division behind the Arizona Cardinals. Still fighting for a playoff spot, the first under head coach Jeff Fischer, the Rams need every win they can get. Much like the Ravens, the Rams are mixing it up with their players as well as the Ravens will be seeing quarterback Case Keenum instead of Nick Foles. Keenum has had success against the Ravens in his short career, and will be looking to add onto that today.

It will also be the Ravens first chance to see running back Todd Gurley. Before the draft, the Ravens were reportedly interested in the rookie rusher, who would have likely split time with veteran Justin Forsett this season. Even though running backs are not typically taken in the first round any longer, Gurley is showing exactly why that formula might not be as sound as you'd think.

Averaging 5.5 yards per carry on the ground through 130 carries, Gurley has 709 yards and 5 touchdowns as a rusher. The Rams attack is much like the Ravens of the early 2000s in that they rely on a power rushing game with a stout defense to wear down their opponents and win low scoring games. Because of that, the passing game isn't exactly something to fear for a Ravens secondary that has had major issues with defending the pass. Wide receiver Kenny Britt leads the Rams with 317 yards, while the Rams seem to be leaning on Tavon Austin both through the air with his 305 yards and 4 touchdowns, as well as on the ground with 225 yards and 2 touchdowns.

The Ravens will have their hands full with a team that will want to beat them up for 60 minutes. If Baltimore can get an early lead, it will put the Rams into uncomfortable territory and likely give the Ravens their 3rd win of the season. If the Ravens get behind early, it will allow the Rams to pin their ears back and use their tough defensive line to abuse quarterback Joe Flacco for the day.

Will the Ravens get closer to .500 or will they get a game closer to the first pick in the NFL Draft?