Week 13 Eagles vs Ravens, Sunday 4:05

Preview: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens – A Clash of Titans

The Philadelphia Eagles (9-2) head to M&T Bank Stadium to face the Baltimore Ravens (8-4) in what promises to be a thrilling Week 13 matchup. Both teams have legitimate Super Bowl aspirations and are riding strong performances this season. This game pits two dynamic quarterbacks, elite running backs, and top-tier defenses against one another.

Key Matchups to Watch

Quarterbacks: Jalen Hurts vs. Lamar Jackson

Jalen Hurts has been a dual-threat force with 13 passing touchdowns, 11 rushing scores, and over 3,000 total yards. His ability to extend plays and dominate in the red zone is a major asset. On the other side, Lamar Jackson is having an MVP-caliber season with 3,053 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, and just three interceptions. Jackson’s dual-threat ability keeps defenses guessing, making him a nightmare for even the best secondaries.

Running Backs: Saquon Barkley vs. Derrick Henry

Saquon Barkley has been electric for the Eagles, leading their ground game with over 1,000 rushing yards and 12 runs of 20+ yards this season. Derrick Henry, meanwhile, has been equally impressive for the Ravens, leading the league with 14 runs of 20+ yards. Both backs are key to their teams’ offensive identities, and their performances could dictate the outcome.

Strengths of Each Team

• Eagles: Philadelphia boasts a ferocious defensive line, anchored by Jalen Carter, which ranks among the best in pressuring quarterbacks and stopping the run. Their offense thrives on explosive plays, thanks to A.J. Brown and a creative scheme by Nick Sirianni.

• Ravens: Baltimore features a balanced offense led by Jackson and a deep receiving corps, including Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews. Their offensive line has been solid, though penalties have occasionally been an issue. The defense, while not elite against the pass, excels in creating turnovers.

Prediction

This game comes down to a few factors for our Birds.  I have spent the better part of the season waiting for the defense to come back down to earth and I am afraid that if we begin to expect the type of performance they have been delivering on the regular, the other shoe will drop. Can the Eagles corral Lamar and Henry on the ground? Will anyone be able to fill the gaping hole left by BG in the running game? Can the rest of the D line capitalize on their 1on1's with Jalen Carter getting doubled 80% of the time? Will Saquan have success against a Ravens D line that is excellent against the run if unspectacular against the pass? If Saquan is contained with heavy boxes, can thew quarterback make them pay?  Will Devonta Smith suit up?

Prediction:  Eagles continue to roll.  Saquan is held under 100 yards but still finds the endzone.  It will be a relatively low scoring game with a pedestrian, yet efficient passing output from Hurts and a score on the ground.  The defense shines. Henry and Jackson are held in check and the high-flying Ravens offense is grounded to the tune of 17 points.  Q's wait is over as Lamar throws his 4th interception of the season to the Eagles rookie.

Final Score:  Eagles 21, Ravens 17

Kickoff is set for 4:25 PM ET on Sunday, December 1, 2024, airing on CBS .