Ravens schedule preview: Rodger that!

The Ravens face one of their stiffest tests of 2017 when the travel to Green Bay in Week 11.

Packers’ key additions: TE Martellus Bennett, TE Lance Kendricks, CB Davon House, LB Jordan Tripp, DE Ricky Jean Francois, G Jahri Evans,

Packers’ key losses: HB James Starks, HB Eddie Lacy, HB Christine Michael, CB Sam Shields, C J.C. Tretter, S Micah Hyde, LB Julius Peppers, G T.J. Lang, LB Datone Jones, TE Jared Cook

Packers’ draft picks: CB Kevin King, S Josh Jones, DT Montravius Adams, WR Malachi Dupree, C Kofi Amichia, RB Aaron Jones, WR DeAngelo Yancey, HB Jamaal Williams, HB Devante Mays, LB Vince Biegel

Why they'll lose to the Ravens

In 2016, the Packers defense was atrocious. They were decimated by injuries to players in their secondary. Even when healthy, their defensive backs were insufficient. At one point, the Packers record stood at 4-6, due to the lack of defensive production. It wasn’t until Aaron Rodgers reached Super Saiyan God status that the Packers turned their season around; with Rodgers leading Green Bay to the NFC Championship game. If the Packers have a repeat of the scenario from last year, the Ravens have a legitimate shot to upset them in Green Bay. Despite Aaron Rodgers quarterbacking the team, the talent around him at the skill positions is questionable. Jordy Nelson bounced back statistically, but looked stiff at times and he's not getting any younger. Some may point to DaVante Adams, but he dropped numerous touchdowns in the end zone last year — six if i remember correctly — and only produced as well as he did because of Rodgers. Rounding the skill positions out is the current running back situation, where the Packers project to start former wide receiver TY Montgomery or rookie Jamaal Williams. The Packers weaknesses play to the Ravens strengths, and if the Ravens can utilize those advantages and force Rodgers to make some errant decisions, the Ravens can feel good about themselves as they head into the final stretch of the season.

Why they'll beat the Ravens

Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers is the best quarterback in the game and that was on display in 2016 as he pulled off the improbable, running off eight straight wins before the Packers ran into the Atlanta Falcons. What Rodgers was able to accomplish was a testament to his remarkable ability and efficiency. If that Rodgers shows up again in 2017, which seems likely, it doesn't matter who is catching or running the ball, he makes everything around him work one way or another. In addition to Rodgers, Montgomery wasn't a bad halfback last season. He only struggled with pass protection, which is to be expected. Montgomery could form a nice committee with Williams and it could wear on the Ravens. Finally, Kenny Clark was awesome against the Dallas offensive line last year. With Mike Daniels, they could collapse pockets around Joe Flacco all day and force him to throw from platforms he doesn't want to. If Green Bay’s young talent can continue to grow and produce, the Ravens will be in for a long afternoon.