In a potential Super Bowl preview, the Philadelphia Eagles (9-2) visit the Baltimore Ravens (8-4). Our Eagles vs Ravens prediction is for underdog Philadelphia to win the game outright.
Philadelphia has won seven in a row, often in dominating fashion. They have opened up a 2.5-game lead in the NFC East.
Baltimore is battling Pittsburgh for the AFC North, but they are unlikely to catch either Kansas City or Buffalo at the top of the conference. Their best hope is a home Wild Card game.
Head-to-head, Baltimore leads Philly with a record of 3-2-1.
Offshore Odds: Baltimore is a Favored by a Field Goal
| Team | Spread | Money Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eagles | +3 (-119) | +130 | O 51 (-104) |
| Ravens | -3 (-101) | -150 | U 51 (-116) |
Philly’s Rushing Attack is Carrying Them
It might be a byproduct of key receivers being injured at various junctures, but Philadelphia’s one constant has been its rushing attack led by Saquon Barkley. Barkley managed to outdo himself in Week 12’s win over the Los Angeles Rams. He ran for two touchdowns of 70+ yards on his way to a 255-yard night. He also caught four passes for 47 yards. That’s 302 total yards.
Receiver DeVonta Smith is questionable for the Ravens with a hamstring injury. Cornerback Darius Slay is out with a concussion. There is a dichotomy in how Philadelphia might press its attack. Baltimore is next-to-last in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game. Philadelphia is 25th in offensive passing yards per game. The Ravens are second in yards per game defending against the rush.
Even with those numbers, the Eagles will simply do what they do and not allow the other team to dictate their plan.
Philly has been excellent defensively against both the pass and the rush.
Baltimore Rebounded Nicely After Pittsburgh Loss
The Ravens earned a hard-fought win in the “Harbaugh Bowl” between their head coach John Harbaugh and LA Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh. The Chargers have one of the league’s stingiest defenses and Baltimore put up a 30-spot on them.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson is making a late-season run at his third MVP. He is leading the league in yards passing, touchdown passes, touchdown percentage, and passer rating. He also averages nearly six yards per rush.
The MVP is irrelevant to Jackson at this point in his career. It’s all about the one thing that has eluded him: a Super Bowl berth.
Linebacker Roquan Smith missed the Chargers game with a hamstring issue but is expected to play against Philly.
This game is more important to the Ravens than it is to the Eagles.
Eagles vs Ravens Prediction: A True Test for Philly
Philadelphia has not had an overly difficult schedule. That is not their fault. They play who the schedule says. But after last season’s meltdown, Nick Sirianni and his team need to prove they can handle the best teams in the league.
This will be a tough battle, but the Eagles will come out on top and win.
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