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Baltimore Ravens vs. New York Giants: Preview, Predictions, and More

By Maurice Moton

Oct 3, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Giants 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Giants 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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What are the New York Giants’ keys to victory in Week 6 against the Baltimore Ravens? How will the outcome pan out? Which team ends their losing streak?

The Baltimore Ravens and New York Giants come into their Week 6 matchup hoping to snap losing streaks. Unlike the Giants, the Ravens have competed closely on the scoreboard in their losses. Baltimore lost the previous two games by a combined seven points. Unfortunately for the Ravens, their top wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. will likely sit out with an ankle injury.

Giants running back Rashad Jennings gave the thumbs up about his outlook on Sunday’s game, per Newsday reporter Bob Glauber. Through two weeks, he’s averaging 3.3 yards per carry, but quarterback Eli Manning needs his presence in pass protection. With left tackle Ereck Flowers struggling on the blindside, the veteran back adds another hurdle for free-roaming defenders charging the pocket.

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Keys to Victory

• Head coach Ben McAdoo and offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan should allow Manning to throw like a gun-slinger as opposed to a conservative game manager. The passing attack should rack up more than 250 yards on a consistent basis with a superstar, a savvy Pro Bowl veteran and a budding rookie talent in the huddle at wideout. Over the past two contests, Manning has gained fewer than six yards per pass attempt.

• As Jennings returns to the field, the Giants can further utilize Bobby Rainey as a pass-catcher as opposed to a No. 2 running back. The veteran counterpart will punch through the offensive line for small-chunk yardage and take over near the goal line. Orleans Darkwa will serve as the No. 2 back, and Rainey essentially fills Shane Vereen’s role.

• Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo should be foaming at the mouth after seeing the Ravens fire their offensive coordinator, Marc Trestman, following a 16-10 loss to the Washington Redskins in Week 5. The Giants defense will take the field against an offense in transition without its top wide receiver. The game plan should focus on testing rookie offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley, who’s missed two consecutive weeks with a foot injury.

Odds

Point Spread: Baltimore at New York (-3)
Moneyline: Ceasar’s Palace: Baltimore +155, New York -175
Over/Under: 44.5

Prediction

When the Ravens fired offensive coordinator Cam Cameron four years ago, the offense picked up steam, and the team won Super Bowl XLVII. This time around, Baltimore fields a less-than-stellar offensive line and average receivers without their fiery veteran.

The Giants defense must overcome injuries in the secondary, but cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie practiced with limitations and likely suits up on Sunday. With a decent pair of perimeter defenders covering two-wide receiver sets, the Giants should fare well against the No. 22 passing attack in the league.

According to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley, Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith seems ready to fight wideout Odell Beckham if there’s physicality after the whistle. His statement falls into the Josh Norman school of verbal and psychological tactics. Nonetheless, the star wideout shouldn’t have much difficulty racking up another touchdown or two against a struggling pass defense.

Pick: New York Giants 23, Baltimore Ravens 19

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