NFL Week Five Preview: Washington Redskins vs. Baltimore Ravens

Prediction

Two teams in the same proximity with just 40 miles separating, the two also have stumbled across winning ways recently. While the Redskins have done it with offense, the Ravens have garnered their win totals with a stingy defense. The biggest matchup in this contest is the Washington offense against the Ravens defense. A Washington offense that needs to get the run game off the ground may not find a ton of room against Ravens defense.

Expect for Gruden and the offense to utilize the pass game to attempt to open up the run. A tight end such as Reed is a difference maker and a deep threat such as Jackson can lead to a productive day for Cousins and the pass game.

Veteran receiver Steve Smith Sr. (24 catches, 281 yards, TD) will be vital as well for the Ravens but keep an eye on Wallace. With #2 corner Breshad Breeland injured for Washington, backup corner Greg Toler may see a ton of Wallace and that doesn’t necessarily well for the visiting team, as Toler is not known for his speed.

At this point, the Ravens defense is more trustworthy than the injury-riddled Washington defense. A lack of a run game for Washington will lead to Cousins dropping back a few times more than usual, which is music to the ears of a Ravens defense that has registered seven sacks, five interceptions, and held QBs to a 67.2 quarterback rating at home this season.

Prediction: Ravens, 24-20