[1:00 PM] Eagles @ Ravens

What will be the match result?

Philadelphia Eagles (5-8)w

@ Baltimore Ravens (7-6)

 

• The line for this game is Baltimore by 5.5 points.

•  After failing to keep a seasoned veteran quarterback at bay, the Baltimore Ravens look to keep their postseason aspirations in line on Sunday when they face rookie Carson Wentz and the free-falling Philadelphia Eagles. Baltimore’s top-ranked defense was gashed by Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in a 30-23 setback on Monday, dropping the Ravens one game behind first-place Pittsburgh in the AFC North.

• Philadelphia’s offensive line remains in flux as tackle Allen Barbre didn’t practice on Thursday due to a hamstring injury and right guard Brandon Brooks is dealing with an anxiety condition that forced him to miss two of the last three games. Veteran running back Darren Sproles remained in the concussion protocol after a brutal hit during a punt return versus the Redskins, likely leaving the rushing duties to Ryan Mathews. The 29-year-old Mathews, who will have a tall order against the top-ranked Ravens’ rush defense (75.5 yards per game), returned from a two-game injury absence to record 15 carries for 60 yards against Washington.

• Joe Flacco (NFL fifth-best 3,582 yards) hasn’t been shy about throwing the ball, it’s how far down the field (average throw: 6.53 yards) that raises an eyebrow as the veteran quarterback often relies on the short passing game. Rookie Kenneth Dixon, who is averaging 94.3 scrimmage yards over his last three contests, collected his first career touchdown last week and outsnapped fellow running back Terrance West 42-14. Shareece Wright is expected to replace fellow cornerback Jimmy Smith (ankle) in the starting lineup and should face off against Eagles wideout Jordan Matthews, who has received double digits in targets in five of his last six outings.

• Baltimore’s defense is first in the NFL in takeaways (25), second in interceptions (15) and fourth in points per game (18.2).

• Philadelphia DT Fletcher Cox registered 1.5 sacks on Sunday, marking the first time he’s gotten to the quarterback since recording four sacks in the first four weeks of the season.

• The Ravens own a 6-2 mark this season against teams currently out of a playoff spot

 

StreakSmarts Pick: Baltimore Ravens

Confidence: 5/10

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