Ravens vs. Rams: Game Preview, Predictions, Keys

Joe Flacco and the 2-7 Baltimore Ravens look to put an end to their losing ways against the St. Louis Rams (4-5) on Sunday.

The massive disappointment that has accompanied the Baltimore Ravens this season looks to finally detach on Sunday as Joe Flacco and company hosts the St. Louis Rams. And with Case Keenum taking the reins of the Rams offense, it might just be the time for Baltimore to break their skid and capitalize on a cupcake home game.

KEYS FOR BALTIMORE

1. Stifle Todd Gurley and focus on stopping the rushing attack: Stopping the rookie from running wild should be Dean Pees’ number one priority this week. Gurley will break one loose, and that’s perfectly fine. For Pees and his unit, the shifted emphasis must be bottling him up on early downs and forcing Keenum to dissect the secondary in third-down situations.
2. Let Chris Givens fly: The former Rams wideout has been thrust into a major role in Flacco’s now makeshift offense for the rest of 2015. He’s seen increased reps during the last two weeks; this week, it’d be wise for the Ravens to make him the focal point of the offensive plan. No matter the volume, Givens should receive a handful of deep-ball shots to ignite a much-needed spark against St. Louis.

More from NFL News

• Patriots News & Rumors: Ezekiel Elliott talks fun in Foxboro; Mills to Packers?
• NFC East Buzz: Isaiah Simmons trade, Deuce Vaughn praise, Eagles rumors & more
• Should Trey Lance be considered an NFL draft bust?
• Jonathan Taylor trade rumors: 3 most alluring fits for Colts star running back
• Tua Tagovailoa: keep ‘my name out of your mouth’; Dolphins QB sends strong message

KEYS FOR ST. LOUIS

1. Construct a game plan that attacks Baltimore’s secondary: As odd as it may sound … letting Keenum air it out and flat out attack the Ravens defensive backfield could be the angle to success. Highly documented are the flaws within John Harbaugh’s secondary — they can’t be hidden. Heck, they allowed Josh McCown to toss for 457 yards early in October. For Frank Cignetti, what’s there to lose? Throw out everything in the playbook. Chances are, a few of them will stick.
2. Pressure Joe Flacco and let the chips fall where they may: St. Louis, as mentioned before, doesn’t have much to lose on Sunday. Against Flacco and that depleted receiving corps, the Rams’ dialing up constant pressures should be the attack plan. Above all, keeping Flacco on his back foot into the second half might just be the recipe for success.

THE PREDICTION

Ravens win, 29-22.