Jackson looks to continue MVP campaign as Ravens face Rams on MNF
MVP frontrunner Lamar Jackson will fly his flock of Ravens into the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to battle the Rams on Monday Night Football. The Ravens are riding a six-game win streak and currently sit behind the Patriots with the No. 2 spot in the AFC. The Rams are in a more tenuous position and find themselves tied with the Cowboys for the sixth spot in the NFC. There’s still a month and a half left in the regular season, but this game carries significant postseason implications.
Baltimore Ravens at Los Angeles Rams, 5:15 p.m. ET, ESPN
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|
Baltimore Ravens | -3 (-114) | -170 | O 46.5 (-112) |
Los Angeles Rams | +3 (-106) | +140 | U 46.5 (-108) |
Jackson gives the Ravens a big advantage
Baltimore has a significant edge at quarterback. Jackson is better than Jared Goff in completion percentage, yards per attempt, quarterback and touchdown-interception ratio. And he’s the 11th leading rusher in the league.Lamar Jackson KEEPS EATING 🍽
— ESPN (@espn) November 17, 2019
(via @Ravens) pic.twitter.com/4iRTBnungf
At running back the edge remains with the Ravens. Mark Ingram, Gus Edwards and Justice Hill have outproduced the Rams backs by more than 400 yards and have been more efficient. The tight ends are close to even, but I’d much rather have the Rams' wide receivers. On pace to be the best rushing team in NFL history, the Ravens offensive line is better at run blocking, but the Rams do better in pass protection.
Comparing the back end is tough. I place a good amount of value (but not undeterred faith) in defense-adjusted value over average (DVOA) and it shows that Baltimore is third in pass defense, with the Rams at 17th. Third feels about right for the Ravens, as they have a deep and talented group, but when I look at the names on paper, the Rams just don’t seem that far behind.
The Rams defense will apply pressure
Both of these defenses place an emphasis on stopping the run, but a decided edge goes to the Rams with regard to the pass rush, as defensive tackle Aaron Donald and company are 11th in adjusted-sack rate, while the Ravens are wallowing at 24th. Los Angeles gets a nice boost from its linebackers, as Dante Fowler and Clay Matthews have combined for 13 1/2 sacks.Comparing the back end is tough. I place a good amount of value (but not undeterred faith) in defense-adjusted value over average (DVOA) and it shows that Baltimore is third in pass defense, with the Rams at 17th. Third feels about right for the Ravens, as they have a deep and talented group, but when I look at the names on paper, the Rams just don’t seem that far behind.
Pick: Ravens -3
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