The Baltimore Ravens and Denver Broncos are in a position to make the postseason with a strong finish to the second half of the season.
The Ravens and Broncos are both 5-3 and in second place in the AFC North and AFC West, respectively. The teams will test their mettle against each other on Sunday afternoon in Baltimore.
The Ravens are led by two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson, who is playing at the highest level of his career. Baltimore fans were nervous this week as Jackson appeared on the injury report with back and knee issues, but he was a full participant in Friday’s practice and will play Sunday.
“He’s been playing great and we’ve got a lot of football in front of us here,” Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh said of Jackson on Wednesday. “We’ve got a game, quick game, another big game coming up.”
Rookie Bo Nix has given the Broncos hope for the future and has led them to two straight victories. Nix has thrown for 1,530 yards with eight touchdowns and five interceptions. He could have success against the Ravens’ pass defense, which is ranked last in the NFL by allowing 291.4 yards per game.
“For a rookie quarterback, I think all of these are steps,” Denver coach Sean Payton said about Nix. “Confidence steps. We’ve seen it. The key is — and I’ve said it — the key is around him. Are we good enough at these other positions around him? That’s what we’re constantly looking (at). We have to paint the picture, and when we do that, we’ll have success. We’ll move the ball.”
The Ravens’ secondary also isn’t doing itself any favors.
Last week, safety Kyle Hamilton bobbled an easy interception that could have sealed the win against Cleveland. On the very next play, Jameis Winston threw a 38-yard touchdown pass to Cedric Tillman to help fuel the Browns to a 29-24 victory. Safety Eddie Jackson, who also dropped two potential interceptions in the game, was beaten badly on the touchdown.
Courtland Sutton leads Denver with 29 receptions for 377 yards with two touchdowns.
“We’ll make those plays, we’ll work hard at it, and we’ll continue to work even harder at it, because it’s something that we want our guys to have confidence in,” Harbaugh said. “We have guys with good hands; they can catch the ball. I’m very confident that we’re going to do it going forward, but I’d like to see it happen really soon.”
The Ravens allow just 69.9 yards rushing per game, tops in the NFL. However, they are dealing with several key injuries.
Defensive end Brent Urban had to leave the game against the Browns with a concussion, and he will miss the Broncos game. Nose tackle Michael Pierce was placed on injured reserve with a calf injury and will miss at least the next four games.
Defensive tackle Travis Jones was able to play against Cleveland despite an ankle injury, but he is questionable to face Denver. No. 1 corner Marlon Humphrey (knee) and fellow corner Jalyn Armour-Davis (knee) are questionable, while reserve running back Rasheen Ali (ankle) will sit out.
The Broncos’ rushing game could pose a challenge. Denver averages 121.4 yards rushing per game, led by the duo of Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin.
“Stopping the run this game is going to be really important — it’s going to be huge,” Harbaugh said. “(The Broncos are) a running team, and they run it really well, and they run it a lot, so it’s going to be a big part of the game plan.”
Much of the Ravens’ success has revolved around Jackson and running back Derrick Henry. Baltimore leads the league in total offense (452.1 yards per game) and rushing offense (200 ypg). The Ravens also are second in average points per game (30.3).
Jackson is having another MVP-caliber season, throwing for 2,099 yards with 17 touchdowns and just two interceptions. He also is second on the team with 501 yards rushing.
Henry leads the NFL with 946 yards rushing and nine touchdowns. He also has two scoring receptions. The Broncos defense has been stout and is ranked third in yards (282.6 yards per game) and points (15 points per game).
“This is our toughest challenge by far,” Payton said about the Ravens.
Broncos safety P.J. Locke (thumb) and safety Delarrin Turner-Yell (knee) were ruled out for Sunday. Right tackle Mike McGlinchey (knee) did not practice on Wednesday but worked his way back after that and carries no game designation.
