Baltimore Beatdown - Ravens vs. Chargers: Everything to Know for Wild Card WeekendA Baltimore Ravens Communityhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47159/baltimorebeatdown_fave.png2019-01-06T09:00:03-05:00http://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/rss/stream/179313222019-01-06T09:00:03-05:002019-01-06T09:00:03-05:00Madden’s Wild Card prediction: Ravens vs. Chargers
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<figcaption>Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="aeoLyj">The <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a> are back in the playoffs after a four year drought, hosting the <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Los Angeles Chargers</a> in their first home playoff game since their 2012 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> run. The 12-4 Chargers enter the postseason as a wild card because the <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a> snagged the divisional title.</p>
<p id="ANGFK9">To earn a playoff berth, Baltimore won six of their last seven games, including a down to the wire thriller at home against Cleveland to clinch the AFC North crown in Week 17. That monumental win came after a Week 16 road victory over the Chargers. In a loss, <span>Philip Rivers</span> threw two interceptions, and the Chargers offensive attack was stymied by a stingy Ravens D.</p>
<p id="M7ryzD">As a result of their recent face off, a lot of discussion has taken place over which team should be favored. Should it be Baltimore because of their comprehensive dominance in Week 16? Or should the Chargers be the favorites because they have a second chance to game plan for <span>Lamar Jackson</span>, a first due to his late entrance as the starter?</p>
<p id="Tft3jj">Rather than continuing the debate, Baltimore Beatdown’s Madden predictions series is back to simulate the results, which will be continued through out the postseason (if necessary). Watch the embedded video below for an interesting ending. </p>
<div id="sc2Ddc"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nUcw7Vc232s?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
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https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2019/1/6/18170194/madden-simulation-prediction-chargers-at-ravens-wild-card-nfl-playoffsJake Louque2019-01-05T11:39:10-05:002019-01-05T11:39:10-05:00Baltimore Beatdown Playoff Picks: Wild Card Round
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<img alt="Baltimore Ravens v Los Angeles Chargers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4y2vZUj13Ggs_lE8t2AClmN7USA=/0x0:3948x2632/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62791290/1085836848.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Harry How/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="GgCtAt">The <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a> put a stop to their Week 17 nightmare finishes, winning the AFC North and eliminating the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> from the playoffs. In the year long battle to predict all of the NFL matchups, Baltimore Beatdown readers vanquished the writers to take first place in the regular season. </p>
<p id="prr5gh">With a clean slate, can the Beatdown staff prove smarter than the masses in the playoffs? Vote for all of the Wild Card games in the polls below. </p>
<h4 id="XqvmQQ">Regular season final standings:</h4>
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<li id="zwMNnk">Readers (166-88)</li>
<li id="9cuxem">Kyle A. (162-92)</li>
<li id="g2OXhO">Vas (161-93)</li>
<li id="hkYoc4">Frank (160-94)</li>
<li id="XqgnJI">Jake and Sage (157-97)</li>
<li id="Ikv0gD">Logan and Kyle B. (153-101)</li>
<li id="zFWQje">Dustin (150-104)</li>
<li id="wvyX7W">Zach (149-105)</li>
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<h3 id="wgHXsj">Wild Card games</h3>
<h4 id="7oju8b">
<a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a> at <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Texans</a> (HOU -1.0)</h4>
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<cite>Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="qJX6JW">Despite traveling to Houston, many are high on a Colts “upset” of the Texans. While Indianapolis is .500 on the road this year, they are also coming in with four consecutive victories, tied with Chicago for the longest active streak. Both regular season games were decided by three points, and these divisional opponents are very familiar with each other.</p>
<p id="CVevdj">In Andrew Luck’s comeback season, he has taken a team that finished 4-12 in 2017 to the postseason. His 98.7 passer rating is the best of his career, silencing critics who speculated about his ability to fully recover and play at a high level. In his first full season, <span>Deshaun Watson</span> has completed over 68 percent of his passes but has shown a tendency to turn the ball over, throwing nine interceptions and committing six fumbles. </p>
<p id="1FMBtX"><strong>The verdict</strong>: 56% of the Beatdown staff predicts the Colts to win on the road</p>
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<h4 id="gWZBXE">
<a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a> at <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Cowboys</a> (DAL -2.0)</h4>
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<cite>Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="tBn2aR">At one point in the season, Jason Garrett’s job security was questionable and Dallas seemed on the fast track to missing the playoffs. Instead, the Cowboys seventh ranked defense, led by rookie linebacker <span>Leighton Vander Esch</span>, and <span>Ezekiel Elliott</span>’s league-leading rushing yards propelled them to a divisional title.</p>
<p id="7utV7E">Still, the Cowboys offense is ranked 22nd in the NFL, as <span>Dak Prescott</span> has been inconsistent in his third season. The Seahawks are averaging 5.6 more points per game, and <span>Russell Wilson</span> recorded the best passer rating of his career (110.9) in 2018. <span>Bobby Wagner</span> has led the team in tackles at 138, the second best mark of his career. Expect Seattle’s playoff experience to make this game tight, even though Dallas has home field advantage. </p>
<p id="dRu1DA"><strong>The verdict</strong>: 56% of the Beatdown staff expects Dallas to hold off Seattle</p>
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<h4 id="V9fB11">
<a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Chargers</a> at Ravens (BAL -2.5)</h4>
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<cite>Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="g2fPAK">After sweating it out until the final minutes of the regular season, Baltimore’s top ranked defense has made them a dark horse favorite to make a real playoff run. <span>C.J. Mosley</span>, who picked off <span>Baker Mayfield</span> to seal the deal in Week 17, is also leading the team in tackles. The defense has been stingy, allowing just 17.9 points per game. Can an offense led by an electric, but inexperienced, rookie quarterback lean on this stout defense for a victory?</p>
<p id="788szF">Due to the <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Chiefs</a> success, the 12-4 Chargers are far better than their seeding suggests. In his 15th season, <span>Philip Rivers</span> is having one his strongest statistical seasons. However, against Baltimore he recorded his worst performance of the year, throwing two interceptions and failing to throw a touchdown pass for the first time all season. For Baltimore to succeed, they will have to own time of possession again, and <span>Lamar Jackson</span> must protect the football.</p>
<p id="Rnlouh"><strong>The verdict</strong>: 67% of the Beatdown staff anticipates the Ravens to advance </p>
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<a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a> at <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Bears</a> (CHI -6.5)</h4>
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<cite>Photo by Elsa/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="3vubD5">Entering the postseason with the third best defense, Chicago has exceeded expectations by running away with the NFC North title. In his sophomore season, despite injuries, <span>Mitchell Trubisky</span> has improved his completion percentage from 59.4 percent to 66.6. Corner Kyle Fuller is tied for the most interceptions in the NFL this season at seven. </p>
<p id="fRkF9t">While it took some help from the Bears for the Eagles to make it into the playoffs, Philadelphia will hope <span>Nick Foles</span> still has enough of his <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> magic to defeat them. Look for <span>Zach Ertz</span> to build on his record-setting year, after he broke <span>Jason Witten</span>’s reception record in Week 16 to become the first Eagles player to have 100 catches in a season. </p>
<p id="ZMQHPs"><strong>The verdict</strong>: 89% of the Beatdown staff thinks the Bears will eliminate the defending champs</p>
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<p id="98H9NB"><em>All writers’ picks can be found in the table below.</em></p>
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https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2019/1/5/18169056/baltimore-beatdown-picks-wild-card-nfl-playoffs-ravens-vs-chargersSage Morander2019-01-05T08:00:06-05:002019-01-05T08:00:06-05:00Ravens News 1/5: Keys to the game, Lamar’s playoff debut and more
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<img alt="Baltimore Ravens v Los Angeles Chargers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Z5WuF6QpIrbbYkaBkxgybiw1bI0=/0x0:2868x1912/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62788846/1085853498.jpg.0.jpg" />
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<h3 id="rbQAuv">
<a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com%2Fnews%2Fpro-quarterbacks-set-to-make-playoff-debuts&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.baltimorebeatdown.com%2F2019%2F1%2F5%2F18168204%2Fravens-news-1-5-keys-to-the-game-lamar-jackson-playoff-debut-phillip-rivers-keenan-allen-chargers" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">QBs Watson, Jackson and Trubisky are set to make playoff debuts on Wild Card Weekend</a> - Daniel Rymer</h3>
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<p id="Xrw8Zi"><span>Lamar Jackson</span> has 120 rush attempts since taking over as the starter in Week 11, which is more than double the attempts of the next quarterback (<span>Josh Allen</span>, 52). Some of those attempts have come on scrambles, but almost half of them have come on Baltimore’s new bread and butter – the read option.</p>
<p id="Oe2sYC">Jackson has carried the ball 59 times on option plays since Week 11; the next closest quarterback is Watson with only 15 attempts. On Jackson’s 59 option attempts since week 11, he has gained 322 yards (5.5 avg) and scored two touchdowns. Jackson’s blinding speed forces defenses to stay home in case he keeps on the option, which helps open up lanes for his running backs when he hands it off. Among running backs with at least 10 attempts on option plays since Week 11, the top two in yards per carry are the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a>’ very own <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com%2Fnfl%2Fplayers%2Fkenneth-dixon%2F10768&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.baltimorebeatdown.com%2F2019%2F1%2F5%2F18168204%2Fravens-news-1-5-keys-to-the-game-lamar-jackson-playoff-debut-phillip-rivers-keenan-allen-chargers" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Kenneth Dixon</a> (7.9) and <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com%2Fnfl%2Fplayers%2Fgus-edwards%2F46027&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.baltimorebeatdown.com%2F2019%2F1%2F5%2F18168204%2Fravens-news-1-5-keys-to-the-game-lamar-jackson-playoff-debut-phillip-rivers-keenan-allen-chargers" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Gus Edwards</a> (6.4). With Jackson at the helm, Baltimore’s run-heavy offense is going to be a nightmare to stop in a league where everyone is building their teams to stop the pass.</p>
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<p id="bHoDhp"><span>Ronnie Stanley</span>, <span>Matt Skura</span>, <span>Orlando Brown Jr.</span>, <span>Nick Boyle</span>, <span>Michael Pierce</span>, Matthew Judon, <span>Patrick Onwuasor</span> and <span>Marlon Humphrey</span> are the other Ravens starters who will taste playoff football for the first time on Sunday.</p>
<h3 id="Vz5Gyt">
<a href="https://www.theringer.com/nfl/2019/1/4/18167851/wild-card-weekend-preview-dak-prescott-khalil-mack-lamar-jackson-melvin-gordon">The Keys to Every NFL Wild-Card Game</a> - Danny Heifetz</h3>
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<p id="hIG4Mg"><a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/"><strong>Los Angeles Chargers</strong></a><strong> at Baltimore Ravens</strong></p>
<p id="Hd4cPH"><strong>Overworked Story Line: </strong>These teams played two weeks ago, but now the game is in <em>Baltimore</em>, so it’s <em>different</em>.</p>
<p id="dp60rn"><strong>Key(s) to the Game:</strong> Rushing</p>
<p id="SAimsI">These teams met just two weeks ago, and the Ravens defense shut down the Chargers. In that game, Baltimore held Los Angeles to season-lows in points (10), passing yards (147), and total yards (198). For the Chargers to win, their offensive line needs to block interior pressure and slanting defenders. These areas gave them trouble against Baltimore in Week 16 when the Ravens put more pressure on <span>Rivers</span> than he faced in any other game this season (<a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001004798/article/ravens-werent-first-team-to-expose-chargers-oline-weaknesses">44 percent </a>of his dropbacks). The pressure frequently created either sacks or penalties, often leading to difficult third downs. The Chargers faced third-and-10 or longer eight times on 12 drives against Baltimore. L.A. must get more manageable third downs (or avoid them altogether!) to move the ball on the Ravens, and that starts with guards <span>Michael Schofield</span> and <span>Dan Feeney</span> doing better the second time around. The Chargers also take their time at the line, using the <a href="https://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/pacestats">most seconds per play</a> in the league this season. Speeding up might throw the Ravens defense off its game.</p>
<p id="IuZVO6">With Joe Flacco at the helm, the Ravens rushing attack was 31st in yards per attempt. But since Jackson took over in Week 11, the Ravens have had the <em>best </em>rushing game in the league, if not one of the best in recent years. The Ravens have rushed for more than 200 yards five times since Week 11. No other team has done so more than twice in that span, and 20 teams have not done it all. A dozen teams have not rushed for more than 200 yards this entire season. They are gaining 5.1 yards per attempt on an <em>average</em> of 45 rushes per game. (<em>FORTY-FIVE!</em>) Despite that volume, they haven’t hit the wall of diminishing returns. The Ravens are one of six teams averaging above five rushing yards per attempt <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/play-index/tgl_finder.cgi?request=1&match=combined&year_min=2018&year_max=2018&game_type=R&game_num_min=0&game_num_max=99&week_num_min=11&week_num_max=99&temperature_gtlt=lt&c1stat=rush_yds_per_att&c1comp=gte&c1val=5&c5val=1.0&order_by=rush_yds">since Week 11</a>, despite rushing 28.5 percent more than the second-place team. They have run the ball with between 3 and 6 yards to go on third down <a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/play-index/play_finder.cgi?request=1&match=summary_all&year_min=2018&year_max=2018&game_type=R&game_num_min=0&game_num_max=99&week_num_min=11&week_num_max=99&quarter[]=1&quarter[]=2&quarter[]=3&quarter[]=4&quarter[]=5&tr_gtlt=lt&minutes=15&seconds=0&down[]=3&yds_to_go_min=3&yds_to_go_max=6&field_pos_min_field=team&field_pos_max_field=team&end_field_pos_min_field=team&end_field_pos_max_field=team&type[]=RUSH&no_play=N&turnover_type[]=interception&turnover_type[]=fumble&score_type[]=touchdown&score_type[]=field_goal&score_type[]=safety&rush_direction[]=LE&rush_direction[]=LT&rush_direction[]=LG&rush_direction[]=M&rush_direction[]=RG&rush_direction[]=RT&rush_direction[]=RE&pass_location[]=SL&pass_location[]=SM&pass_location[]=SR&pass_location[]=DL&pass_location[]=DM&pass_location[]=DR&order_by=yards">20 times</a> since Jackson took over, when 30 other teams in the league haven’t done it 10 times. In a season defined by the league zigging toward passing, Baltimore is zagging about as hard as possible, and it’s a serious wrench for defenses that have hired, trained, and coached defenders to survive in a passing-oriented league, including the Chargers.</p>
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<p id="gmPGv7">Baltimore finished the regular season ranked first in time of possession (32:54) while the Chargers were 13th best (30:43).</p>
<h3 id="ihCLEb">
<a href="https://www.chargers.com/news/keys-to-the-game-chargers-vs-ravens">Keys to the Game: Chargers vs. Ravens</a> - Ricky Henne</h3>
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<p id="0sORN7"><strong>Keep Philip Standing</strong> – In order to move those chains, the Chargers must do a better job of keeping their future Hall of Fame quarterback upright. The Ravens sacked <span>Rivers</span> four times in their first meeting and pressured him countless other times, resulting in his worst game of the season. It marked the only game he failed to throw a touchdown pass and tossed two interceptions as he posted a season-low 51.7 passer rating. As a result, the Chargers mustered only 10 points, marking the only time all year the team failed to score at least 20. Thus, Lynn knows they must protect Rivers from Baltimore’s blitz-heavy attack:</p>
<p id="qPvWIt"><em>“They like to attack, but you have to make them pay. We didn’t do that the first time. If we can get that done this time, we’ll be good…. They’ve been blitzing all year. They blitz more than anybody in the National Football League, so we know where they’re blitzing from and what they’re doing, but you have to stand in front of them and block them. You have to win your one-on-ones and give us time to throw the ball down the field, give Melvin (Gordon) time to get on the safeties. We have to be better at those things this week.”</em></p>
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<p id="xBgoX3"><span>Terrell Suggs</span> versus right tackle <span>Sam Tevi</span> and Za’Darius Smith versus left guard <span>Dan Feeney</span> are matchups that favor the Ravens.</p>
<h3 id="yui_3_10_3_1_1546636416711_457">
<a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001007511/article/chargersravens-afc-wild-card-weekend-preview">Chargers-Ravens: AFC Wild Card Weekend preview</a> - Kevin Patra</h3>
<blockquote>
<p id="yui_3_10_3_1_1546636416711_460"><strong>Matchup to Watch</strong></p>
<p id="TcLANf"><a href="http://www.nfl.com/player/philiprivers/2506121/profile"><strong>Philip Rivers</strong></a><strong> vs. </strong><a href="http://www.nfl.com/teams/baltimoreravens/profile?team=BAL"><strong>Ravens</strong></a><strong>’ No. 1 ranked D</strong>: Rivers had his worst night of the season in the previous meeting, earning season-lows in yards per attempt (4.9), passer rating (51.7) and the only game without a TD pass on the year. After an MVP-caliber start to his season, Rivers has fluttered the past several weeks, throwing six interceptions in his past three games (6 INTs in first 13 games). The <a href="http://www.nfl.com/teams/baltimoreravens/profile?team=BAL">Ravens</a> defense has given up a few big days this season -- including to 376 passing yards <a href="https://www.nfl.com/prospects/baker-mayfield?id=32462018-0002-5600-63bc-195cdc34bdb5">Baker Mayfield</a> last week -- so it’s not an impenetrable force. The fun matchup will be Rivers again matching wits against former teammate, <a href="http://www.nfl.com/teams/baltimoreravens/profile?team=BAL">Ravens</a> safety <a href="http://www.nfl.com/player/ericweddle/2495775/profile">Eric Weddle</a>. Martindale knows the matchup up will be key. </p>
<p id="52gF4x">The question will be whether Rivers can hit enough shots to loosen up the <a href="http://www.nfl.com/teams/baltimoreravens/profile?team=BAL">Ravens</a>. Lost in the dismal Week 16 output were several big plays wiped out by penalty -- including 27- and 28-yard passes on back-to-back plays early in the close contest. If the <a href="http://www.nfl.com/teams/losangeleschargers/profile?team=LAC">Chargers</a> can get an early lead, they’ll put pressure on Jackson to throw the ball. </p>
<p id="wYTSMJ">The other aspect of Rivers dual with the <a href="http://www.nfl.com/teams/baltimoreravens/profile?team=BAL">Ravens</a> secondary is the deployment of <a href="http://www.nfl.com/player/keenanallen/2540154/profile">Keenan Allen</a>. The Pro Bowler aligned in the slot (340) and out wide (351) on an almost equal number of snaps in 2018, but was targeted by Rivers at an extremely high rate when aligned wide (35.7 target rate out wide versus 24.1 in slot). The <a href="http://www.nfl.com/teams/baltimoreravens/profile?team=BAL">Ravens</a> defense is the only team in the NFL to allow a completion percentage under 50.0 to players aligned wide. Getting <span>Allen</span> loose against a Baltimore D that is the only team in the NFL to allow completion percentage under 60 overall (58.4) will challenging.</p>
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<p id="5jPKvX">In Week 16, Baltimore played a relatively clean game with four penalties for 40 yards compared to Los Angeles’ eight for 69. </p>
<p id="MmtkMn"></p>
https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2019/1/5/18168204/ravens-news-1-5-keys-to-the-game-lamar-jackson-playoff-debut-phillip-rivers-keenan-allen-chargersVasilis Lericos2019-01-03T09:00:04-05:002019-01-03T09:00:04-05:00Kenneth Dixon emerging as the Ravens X-Factor
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<img alt="NFL: Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XoIXwFvLeiUPOqeLfe29OCjHG6Y=/0x0:3264x2176/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62768993/usa_today_11921000.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The former fourth-round pick is finally proving his worth at a crucial time. </p> <p id="ws18AT">Since being drafted in 2016, <span>Kenneth Dixon</span> has never truly lived up to his potential. His talent and ability have never been called into question, but multiple injuries and suspensions over the past few years have kept him shelved. </p>
<p id="tR5nT9">This season felt like Dixon’s last chance to make an impact in Baltimore. When he was placed on injured reserve in September with a knee injury, many speculated that Dixon’s time with the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a> had run its course. However, that outlook has drastically changed. </p>
<p id="zvbR6V">Since returning from injury in Week 13 against the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a>, Dixon has hit the ground running, literally, and made a huge impact on the Ravens offense. Lamar Jackson and <span>Gus Edwards</span> have led the rushing attack, but Dixon has shined in a complementary role and played a key part in Baltimore’s second-half success this season. </p>
<p id="EZynKP">Over the past five weeks, Dixon has made the most of his 47 attempts on the ground, rushing for 289 yards and a touchdown. While he’s known for being a hard-nosed, tough runner, Dixon has flashed elusiveness and quickness in recent games. </p>
<p id="EupK5g">During the stretch run, his 6.14 yards per carry average is higher than both Edwards’ and Jackson’s. He’s broken off a run of at least 13 yards or more in each of the past five games, and his big-play ability was on full display in Sunday’s win over the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a>.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">KD picks up 37!<a href="https://twitter.com/_BONEHEAD_tez_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@_BONEHEAD_tez_</a> <a href="https://t.co/r0nXEQLR0x">pic.twitter.com/r0nXEQLR0x</a></p>— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ravens/status/1079502476972220416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2018</a>
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<p id="sGZRUo">Dixon’s 37-yard run was the longest of his career and just a small sample of a career-best performance from the former Louisiana Tech phenom. Dixon totaled 117 yards on the ground and recorded an eye-opening 9.8 YPC. He ran like a man possessed all afternoon.</p>
<p id="CjX0rs">In addition to the highlight rush above, Dixon also broke off several other chunk plays, including rushes of 13, 15, and 20 yards. In what was the biggest game of the season, Dixon shined and led a dominant rushing attack. </p>
<p id="BfN7tl">Dixon’s previous career-high in rushing was 59 yards. Not only did he double that on Sunday, he did so on just 12 carries. While Gus Edwards is more of a north-to-south runner, Dixon adds a more east-to-west, elusive style to the rushing attack. </p>
<p id="4nLPvs">He has complemented Edwards and Jackson tremendously. When Dixon is ripping off big runs like we saw against the Browns, the Ravens rushing attack is all but unstoppable. Very rarely do teams possess three dynamic rushing threats. </p>
<p id="51Lpmj">After missing the entire 2017 season and most of the first half of the year, nobody could have foreseen Dixon entering the lineup and being as productive as he has been. However, his performance over the home stretch of the season has been a surprising development and aided the Ravens historic rushing success. </p>
<p id="TPLOLP">At just 24 years old, it’s fair to assume Dixon has yet to reach his full potential. If he can stay healthy and on the field, Dixon certainly has a chance to play a significant role in the Ravens backfield of the present and future. </p>
<p id="uCItVr">For now, Baltimore can only hope he has another big performance in store for the <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Chargers</a> this Sunday. </p>
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https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2019/1/3/18165333/kenneth-dixon-emerging-as-the-baltimore-ravens-x-factor-gus-edwards-lamar-jacksonFrank Platko2018-12-31T08:00:07-05:002018-12-31T08:00:07-05:00Ravens open as favorites over Chargers in Wildcard round; middle of the pack in Super Bowl odds
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<img alt="Baltimore Ravens v Los Angeles Chargers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6eTzd9tA54jn8szCQfWn8Aj8GUY=/1336x141:3289x1443/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62758040/1074620486.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="EnsAOl">After an incredible two-point victory over the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a>, Las Vegas wasted no time in setting their odds for the Wildcard round with the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> favored by three points at home.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">NFL Wild Card lines (<a href="https://twitter.com/betonline_ag?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@betonline_ag</a>):<br><br>SEA @ DAL -2.5<br>LAC @ BAL -3<br>PHI @ CHI -7</p>— OddsShark (@OddsShark) <a href="https://twitter.com/OddsShark/status/1079566164660011008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2018</a>
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<p id="gLcIJp">It appears Vegas knows this next game is going to be more competitive as the first matchup placed the <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Los Angeles Chargers</a> as four-point favorite. Now, only two hours after posting the opening lines, the odds have shrunk by a hook.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Updated NFL Wild Card lines (<a href="https://twitter.com/betonline_ag?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@betonline_ag</a>):<br><br>IND @ HOU -2.5<br>SEA @ DAL -2.5<br>LAC @ BAL -2.5<br>PHI @ CHI -5.5</p>— OddsShark (@OddsShark) <a href="https://twitter.com/OddsShark/status/1079596923940716544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2018</a>
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<p id="ad9Iyy">To those who don’t gamble, this may mean nothing and feel like nothing; I certainly am in the same boat. I simply know the game is going to start 0-0 and the Ravens will need to deal with the Chargers only two weeks after beating them in LA.</p>
<p id="YQwbMh">Speaking of odds, the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl-odds-prop-bets">Super Bowl odds</a> have posted from OddsShark as well. The Ravens sit in the middle of the pack.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Updated odds to win Super Bowl LIII (<a href="https://twitter.com/SuperBookUSA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SuperBookUSA</a>):<br><br>Saints +225<br>Chiefs +400<br>Rams +500<br>Patriots +600<br>Bears +900<br>Chargers +1600<br>Ravens +2000<br>Cowboys +2500<br>Seahawks +2500<br>Texans +2500<br>Colts +2500<br>Eagles +3000</p>— OddsShark (@OddsShark) <a href="https://twitter.com/OddsShark/status/1079607903672258560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2018</a>
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<p id="m7MZmI">I find it peculiar to see the Chargers more favored to win the Lombardi trophy than the Ravens when they aren’t even favored in their first game.</p>
<p id="VPkfXo">Hopefully the Ravens not only beat the Chargers, but beat the odds just to rub it in the faces of those confident in the opposition. Nothing like sticking it to the non-believers.</p>
https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2018/12/31/18162155/ravens-open-as-favorites-over-chargers-in-wildcard-round-middle-of-the-pack-in-super-bowl-liii-oddsKyle Phoenix