It’s a short week in Week 15 as the Baltimore Ravens host the New York Jets on Thursday night. What had been billed as two first-round quarterbacks leading young teams and some familiar faces has now turned into a lopsided-looking contest without much of the star appeal on one side thanks to injuries. But in the primetime spotlight, the Ravens have a chance to continue their amazing winning streak, lock up a better playoff spot and put on a show in front of the nation.
We here at Ravens Wire certainly believe that’s what’s bound to happen in Week 15’s Baltimore vs. New York matchup as we lay out our bold predictions.
Matthew Stevens:
Hayden Hurst has his first multiple-touchdown game
Hurst had an excellent game against the Bills last week, catching a 61-yard touchdown. He’s been steadily improving his game over the season and earning more of the focus of the offense as well. With tight end Mark Andrews banged up and likely drawing most of the Jets’ coverage, Hurst winds up being wide open all game as he explodes to the best game of his career.
Neil Dutton:
Five turnovers for the Ravens’ defense
When thinking about Sam Darnold in 2019, I’m reminded of the girl with the curl. When he’s been good, he’s been very good. But when he’s been bad he’s been horrid. The Ravens aggressive blitzing is likely to cause him all manner of problems, and he and his playmakers will struggle to keep hold of the football on Thursday. If you like seeing Ravens defenders picking off passes or picking up fumbles, Thursday will be a treat.
Alex Bente:
Ravens’ defense shuts out the Jets
Even though it’s a short week, the Ravens’ defense should put on another stellar performance against the hapless Jets on Thursday. The defense has been playing lights-out in recent weeks, against some of the better offenses in the league. However, crucial mistakes nearly let the Bills extend the game on the final drive. Thusly, Don Martindale’s unit should be even more fired up while looking to improve their defensive rankings. The Jets will be unable to move the ball, let alone score as the Ravens cruise to their 10th straight victory.
Kevin Oestreicher:
Mark Ingram has three-times more rushing yards than Le’Veon Bell
Last offseason, there were rumblings that the Ravens could go after Le’Veon Bell to take their offense to the next level. Instead, Baltimore signed Mark Ingram to a three year, 15 million dollar deal and haven’t looked back. Ingram is a better fit than Bell in their system, and while both are good players, Ingram has enjoyed a much better year than Bell behind a much better Ravens offensive line. I think Ingram gets the better of this running back matchup to the tune of 3x the amount of yards that Bell gets on the ground
Vasilios Nikolaou:
Lamar Jackson will be responsible for seven touchdowns
Even though he’s on the injury report with a thigh bruise, Jackson could very well explode on primetime television come Thursday night. I think he passes for five and runs for two more. The receivers run free which opens up even wider lanes for the second-year passer to run through.
Joe Serpico:
Patrick Ricard gets his first rushing attempt of the season
Ricard has made a few plays in the passing game with eight receptions on the season but has yet to tote the rock this year. He’s an important part to the ground game which is evident by his recent contact extension. The Ravens reward him for his hard work with a hand off that picks up a first down, or maybe even a goal line touchdown.
Wola Odeniran:
Ravens outside linebacker Tyus Bowser will register four sacks
Ravens outside linebacker Matt Judon has been generating a lot of attention from opposing offensive lines this season. But despite that the Buffalo Bills made the mistake on one occasion on Sunday by allowing their tight to block Judon one-on-one, which resulted into Judon forcing a strip-sack off quarterback Josh Allen. The New York Jets will be aware of Judon on a short week, which will free up more opportunities for Tyus Bowser to pressure Jets quarterback Sam Darnold with four sacks on the day.
