After making mincemeat out of the Browns in Week 10, the Baltimore Ravens (5-4) will face their toughest test yet in 2016 — the Dallas Cowboys (8-1), who are currently on an eight-game winning streak.
This game is a prime example of what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object. Lead by sensational rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott, who has rushed for 1,005 yards in his first nine games with Dallas, the Cowboys average 161 rushing yards per game, which is ranked first in the NFL.
On the other hand, the Ravens boast the No. 1 defense in the league and have allowed the fewest rushing yards in the NFL. Elliott has yet to face a front seven as robust as Baltimore’s and the result of this game will be a product of who comes away victorious in the trenches.
Ravens defensive tackle Brandon Williams should give Elliott all he can handle, even though the Cowboys have the best offensive line in the NFL. The 340-pound Williams has proven to be one of the best run stoppers in the game as he has recorded 23 tackles, one sack, and even a pass deflection in 2016.
Rookie quarterback Dak Prescott has looked like anything but a rookie as he has completed 187 of his passes this season for 2,339 yards and 14 touchdowns. Prescott has also done an exceptional job protecting the football as he has only thrown two interceptions up to date.
Even the greatest Raven to ever play, former linebacker Ray Lewis, said Prescott should be the frontrunner for the MVP award following the conclusion of the regular season. His 106.2 passer rating ranks fourth in the NFL.
However, when Prescott drops back, he should be weary of Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs, who embarrassed Cleveland’s offensive line last week by strip-sacking Browns quarterback Josh McCown for a turnover, which helped Baltimore officially close out the game. Suggs has recorded six sacks so far in 2016.
“Yeah, I mean Suggs is great,” Prescott said. “He’s a guy who’s been playing well in this league for a long time. We know how special of a player he is.”
It is likely Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith will face the tall task of keeping Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant out of the end zone. The Cowboys have won every game they have scored 20 or more points in, so keeping Dez from coming down with the rock in the end zone will be a must if the Ravens want to pull off an upset in Texas.
Although Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco has had a down year, he was able to toss three touchdown passes against the Browns in the second half of last week’s game, allowing Baltimore’s offense to finally come alive. If he can keep that momentum rolling against Dallas, the Ravens will have nothing to worry about come Sunday.
Running back Terrance West has had an up-and-down year in Baltimore so far. If he shows up to play against Dallas, Flacco won’t need to attempt 40 or more passes a game, which will help add stability and unpredictability to the Ravens’ offensive game plan.
Because Baltimore usually plays to their opponent’s level, this game should be close. This means Ravens kicker Justin Tucker will need to remain perfect, as he has yet to miss a field goal or extra point in 2016.
However, the kicker who will be across the sidelines, Dan Bailey, is also deadly accurate, nailing 90.4 percent of his kicks in his career. Bailey and Tucker are widely regarded as the two best kickers in the game today.
The good news for Baltimore is they will still be the frontrunner in a disappointing AFC North no matter what happens this Sunday. However, the Ravens will see this as a statement game to prove they deserve to be playing football after New Year’s Day.
Prediction: Cowboys over Ravens 27-20
