Final Thoughts on Green Bay Packers v. Ravens Matchup

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams (17) celebrates his touchdown reception with quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) in the second quarter against the Chicago Bears during their football game Sunday, December 12, 2021, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-WisconsinApc Packvsbears 1212210752djp
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams (17) celebrates his touchdown reception with quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) in the second quarter against the Chicago Bears during their football game Sunday, December 12, 2021, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-WisconsinApc Packvsbears 1212210752djp /
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Before the Green Bay Packers take on the Baltimore Ravens, here are some final thoughts on the upcoming matchup.

Green Bay Packers v. Ravens Final Thoughts

– Lamar Jackson is questionable with an ankle injury, but it sounds like Tyler Huntley will be the starter. Matt LaFleur said earlier this week that regardless of who starts, he expects a similar game plan from the Ravens. This means plenty of “exotic” looks, as LaFleur called it, can plenty of running the ball.

– Joe Barry typically prioritizes taking away the pass but against a run-heavy Ravens offense, and without Kenny Clark, I won’t be surprised to see more players near the line of scrimmage.

– When it comes to slowing either Jackson or Huntley with the ball in their hands, it’s going to be important that the Packers’ edge rushers hold contain, and we may see De’Vondre Campbell as a spy.

– The Ravens run defense is allowing only 3.9 yards per rush this season, the third-fewest, but they will be without Calais Campbell, who has been one of the better interior run defenders this season, according to PFF ($$). We will see how much his absence opens up the ground game for the Packers.

– Don’t be surprised to see the Green Bay Packers go pass-heavy against a banged-up Baltimore secondary. The Ravens are down all four of their Week 1 starters and rank near the bottom of the NFL in several key pass defense categories. Rodgers and Adams could put up huge numbers.

– Even if Green Bay does lean on the passing game as they did against the Rams, quick passes, play-action, and motion will all still be important to helping this offensive line.

– Speaking of the offensive line, can they continue to hold up despite a litany of injuries? Dennis Kelly will be up against Odafe Oweh, who leads the team in pressures.

– Look for the Ravens to send some pressure to try to get after Rodgers. Pressuring Rodgers will be the best way to help their struggling secondary, also, Rodgers has been one of the worst quarterbacks when under pressure this season in terms of completion percentage, yards per attempt, and passer rating. If Rodgers has time in the pocket, he will likely pick apart this Baltimore secondary.

– Special teams could play a huge role in determining this game. The Packers rank last in special teams play, according to Football Outsiders, while the Ravens rank first. From their coverage units to Devin Duvernay as a return man, and Justin Tucker at kicker, Baltimore is stout across the board.

– As many injuries as the Green Bay Packers have had to deal with, the Ravens have been just as decimated, if not more.

Prediction: Packers 31 – Ravens 24