Bold Predictions: Ravens vs. Raiders

Every week has playoff implications for the Ravens. In Week 12, Baltimore must handle business against a disappointing Oakland Raiders squad. Below, the Baltimore Beatdown staff details predictions for this afternoon.

Sage’s predictions:

• Michael Crabtree will record his third touchdown of the year.

Overall, Crabtree has under performed in his first season with the Ravens. He has had a particularly quiet stretch after his 93-yards receiving against the Tennessee Titans back in October. However, the extra motivation of facing his old squad should propel Crabtree into the end zone today.

• The Baltimore defense will force two turnovers.

One of the bigger surprises this season has been the lack of turnovers generated by the Ravens defense. Baltimore has not had an opponent turn the ball over more than once since the Steelers in Week 4. Today that will change, with the Ravens exploiting a sub par Raiders team.

Vasilis’ predictions:

• The Ravens will rush for more than 200 yards.

265 rushing yards in Week 11 boosted the Ravens season average to 110 yards on the ground per game. This figure will continue to improve against Oakland’s 31st ranked run defense. Lamar Jackson will break off a long touchdown scamper in the first quarter, and Gus Edwards will salt the game away in the second half.

• Terrell Suggs and Matt Judon will combine for four sacks on Derek Carr.

After starting fast, Suggs has not recorded a sack during the last three games. Judon is trending in the opposite direction, providing half of his 2018 sack total in Baltimore’s two most recent contests. Both edge rushers will have their way against the Raiders rookie tackles Kolton Miller and Brandon Parker.

Dustin’s predictions:

• Lamar Jackson will throw for 200+ yards and two touchdowns.

The talk of Jackson’s first NFL start has been his insane number of rushing attempts. Look for offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg to open up the playbook in his second start. Jackson will prove that he can throw the ball by eclipsing 200 passing yards with two touchdowns through the air.

• Gus Edwards will break 100 rushing yards, again.

The most overshadowed story line of last week’s victory was the performance of undrafted running back Gus Edwards. Edwards was the first 100-yard rusher for Baltimore this season, and he will reach that milestone once again this Sunday. The run game is extremely efficient with Jackson on the field, and Edwards’ downhill powerful running style compliments him perfectly.