Giants vs. Ravens: Preview and Prediction

Hear that? That’s the sound of the general football viewing public taking the New York Giants just a bit more seriously after their upset victory over the Green Bay Packers last week in London. Despite Big Blue’s meager preseason expectations and uninspiring if winning performances against bad teams like the Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears to start the year, they’ve announced themselves as legitimate playoff contenders by getting to 4-1 against a perennial NFC power quarterbacked by MVP Aaron Rodgers.

The Giants will have another opportunity to make a statement when they host former MVP Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens this Sunday. Green Bay represented New York’s toughest test to date, but Baltimore will be another step up in difficulty. They rank third in DVOA according to Football Outsiders, and have a top-five scoring offense in the NFL. Jackson is playing at his customarily elite level, having already accounted for 14 total touchdowns through five games.

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The Ravens’ offense as a whole is an extension of their uniquely dynamic quarterback, able to gash you on the ground or stun you with quick aerial strikes. Big Blue’s defense has scrapped their way to being top-ten in points allowed by coming up clutch on third downs and preventing big plays. But they haven’t been tested by an offense as high-octane as Baltimore’s. Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale came over from the Ravens, so maybe he has some special insights into how best to slow down Jackson and company.

Historically, Baltimore has been known for dominant defenses, but these aren’t your father’s or even big brother’s Ravens. They currently rank 28th in total yards allowed, and dead last in passing yards allowed. With established, well-regarded veterans like Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters in their secondary, the Ravens should have the personnel to get their pass defense pointed in the right direction. They are coming off holding the Cincinnati Bengals to just 17 points, so maybe it’s just taken them time to gel under new defensive coordinator Mike MacDonald. If not, this could be an opportunity for New York’s passing offense to finally spread it’s wings.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Sunday’s game, followed by a prediction for the final score.

Where and When 

MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday at 1:00pm EST/10:00am PST

Injuries (Players on Injured Reserve Not Listed)

Baltimore: RB Justice Hill (Questionable), WR Rashod Bateman (Questionable), OLB Justin Houston (Questionable), OG Ben Cleveland (Questionable)

New York: TE Chris Myarick (Questionable), WR Wan’Dale Robinson (Questionable), CB Cor’Dale Flott (Questionable), OLB Azeez Ojulari (Questionable), WR Kenny Golladay (Questionable), CB Darnay Holmes (Questionable), WR Kadarius Toney (Questionable), CB Adoree’ Jackson (Questionable), TE Tanner Hudson (Questionable), DL Leonard Williams (Questionable), RB Saquon Barkley (Questionable), S Tony Jefferson (Questionable)

Most Concerning Matchup: TE Mark Andrews vs. S Xavier McKinney

There may not be a clearer number-one receiving option in the NFL than Andrews. He’s averaging over nine targets and 69.8 yards per game this season, and already has four touchdowns. At 6’5″ and 256 pounds, with great fluidity and athleticism, Andrews is a difficult matchup for cornerbacks, safeties, or linebackers.

The Giants defender most likely to draw the Andrews assignment is McKinney. To state this is a concerning matchup says more about the quality of Andrews than McKinney. The third-year safety out of Alabama is certainly no slouch. His statistics in coverage has been very good this year. He’s allowed just a 33.3 completion percentage when targeted. McKinney did, however, commit pass interference in the endzone last week against Packers tight end Robert Tonyan. Andrews will be his toughest challenge this season by far.

Most Promising Matchup: DT Dexter Lawrence vs. OG Ben Powers

An underrated development for the Giants is Lawrence becoming one of the premiere interior defensive linemen in football. He’s earned an excellent 89.6 grade this season from Pro Football Focus. His dominance has helped offset the absence of Leonard Williams the last two weeks. With Williams likely to return this week, Lawrence should get more one-on-one opportunities.

New York’s coaching staff should try to get Lawrence lined up over Powers as much as possible. The fourth-year fourth-round pick out of Oklahoma is the weakest member of Baltimore’s offensive line. He’s garnered just a 60.9 grade from Pro Football Focus this year, and could be outmatched by Lawrence’s combination of power and agility. Powers just doesn’t have the feet to keep with Lawrence in pass protection.

Keys to Victory

As has been the case with the Giants’ wins so far, a victory has to start with a superior gameplan. New York’s offensive coaches need to identify what’s caused the busted coverages in the Ravens’ secondary this season, and then install plays that will exploit it. Quarterback Daniel Jones needs to build off his impressive performance last week and push the ball downfield with success. Of course, getting running back Saquon Barkley involved in multiple ways will continue to be a priority.

Defensively, the Giants need to pressure Jackson while keeping lane integrity to keep him from scrambling for major yardage. They need to hope Jackson has a subpar game by his standards, like he did last week. Bracketing or double-teaming Andrews on obvious passing situations would be well-advised, too.

Final Score Prediction: Ravens 26 – Giants 20

The Giants truly are one of the most improved teams in football, and their win last week in London was no fluke. But Baltimore is one the league’s very elite teams, so beating them is a tall task even for your average playoff team. Jackson is playing at an MVP level, and their defense showed signs of turning things around last week. New York will come up short in a hard-fought affair.

– Ryan Cuneo is the Managing Editor of Full Press Giants. He covers the New York Giants. Like and follow on Follow @ryan_cuneo Follow @FullPressGiants and Facebook.