One of the best NFL matchups of the month will take place when the Detroit Lions visit the Baltimore Ravens in Week 7. Sunday’s matchup pits the NFC North leaders against the top team in the AFC North.
It’s a challenge for the 5-1 Lions, who have yet to drop a game on the road this season. Baltimore is a balanced team on both sides of the ball, and they’ve got an MVP candidate in QB Lamar Jackson who is playing some great football.
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To help get more intel on the matchup with Baltimore, I turned to Ravens Wire editor Glenn Erby for a few questions. Erby graciously dropped some knowledge on what looks like a pretty even matchup.
The Ravens defense has some impressive results thus far. What’s been the biggest key to the success?
Baltimore is solid and deep at every level of the defense. Justin Madubuike has been outstanding at the defensive tackle position, while Jadeveon Clowney is among the league leaders in pressures.
Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen are the engines that makes the car go, while Brandon Stephens and Geno Stone have been stout at the safety and cornerback positions.
How is the overhauled WR group working for the Ravens offense?
It would be an absolutely disappointing group if not for the quick maturation of rookie Zay Flowers. Odell Beckham Jr. is starting to find his footing after dealing with an ankle injury, while Rashod Bateman continues to be underwhelming at the position. Nelson Agholor has been solid when targeted, while Devin Duvernay has only produced on special teams
Who is one Ravens player who deserves more national attention?
Roquan Smith is known nationally, so the praise has to go towards Justin Madubuike. Madubuike is on pace for a career-high 56 tackles and 13 sacks in a contract year, and the young defensive tackle is ever-improving and just starting to put his dominance and full arsenal of potential on display.
What worries you about playing the Lions?
Detroit can match the Ravens’ physicality on both sides of the football, while still employing one of the NFL’s most explosive offensive units. Baltimore can be susceptible to pressure of the edge, and Aidan Hutchinson is playing at an MVP or DPOY pace.
Who wins and why?
The Lions are new to this big-game energy, and they’ll head to Baltimore for a huge matchup with playoff implications for both teams. The Ravens have the better quarterback and a dynamic duo at linebacker that can change the outcome of games. Look for Kyle Hamilton to be a difference-maker as the Ravens win 21-14.