Baltimore Ravens at Denver Broncos: Week 1 Prediction

Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) and defensive end DeMarcus Ware (94) react to a sack in the first quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Both these veteran AFC powers know a fast start can do wonders for a playoff push. Will the Denver Broncos hold serve at home or will the Baltimore Ravens steal one at Mile High?

Injury News

Brandon M. Marshall expected back from foot problem

One of their key inside linebacker, Brandon M. Marshall got some good news as his foot injury has cleared up enough for the team to declare him probable for the game. He should be a big help against that strong Ravens ground attack led by Justin Forsett.

Breshad Perriman and Timmy Jernigan unlikely to play

On the flip side Baltimore is dealing with some ailments to key personnel. Rookie wide receiver Breshad Perriman, expected to replace Torrey Smith, is already out with a knee injury. Timmy Jernigan, who is supposed to help fill the gap left by Haloti Ngata up front on defense, is also doubtful with a knee problem as well.

Key Matchups

Chris Harris vs. Steve Smith Sr.

Even at age 36 he continues to stay a productive wide receiver in the NFL. Now the pressure is increasing on Steve Smith Sr. to carry the baton as injuries hamper the Ravens passing attack. He’ll have to contend with Pro Bowl corner Chris Harris Jr., who held the highest coverage rating in the league last season according to Pro Football Focus.

Brandon Williams vs. C.J. Anderson

The Ravens defense has not looked like itself in preseason. Nowhere was that clearer than against the run as they allowed a whopping 144.0 yards per game. Nose tackle Brandon Williams is another one expected to step up in the absence of Ngata and he’ll have a tough first assignment shutting down the lanes for Pro Bowl running back C.J. Anderson in Denver.

X-Factors

Emmanuel Sanders vs. Ravens safeties

Safety was a real sore spot for an otherwise good Baltimore defense in 2014. They oftentimes struggled in pass coverage despite a strong season from Will Hill, who was just re-signed. Hopefully they are prepared because Denver is sure to test them down the field with speedy Emmanuel Sanders, not to mention star Demaryius Thomas.

Ravens tackles vs. Von Miller and Broncos pass rush

If there is one unit that looked positively flawless in preseason it was the Broncos pass rush. Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware appear in preseason form while rookie 1st round pick Shane Ray had plenty of moments as well. Given the pass-happy tendencies of new offensive coordinator Marc Trestman, it will be on the Ravens tackles to keep Joe Flacco upright.

Prediction: Broncos win 26-16

The strong defense, a raucous crowd and a steady ground attack should be enough for the Broncos to take care of a banged up Ravens team that is still trying to find its 2015 identity.

Next: NFL Power Rankings: Top Starting Quarterbacks 1-32

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