Tennessee Titans vs. Baltimore Ravens: 5 Bold predictions for Divisional Round
The Tennessee Titans have another upset in mind as they face the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Round. Bold predictions for the playoff matchup.
While the No. 1-seeded Baltimore Ravens were resting during the Wild Card Round of the 2020 NFL Playoffs, the Tennessee Titans were going on the road and slaying a giant. On the legs of Derrick Henry, Mike Vrabel‘s Titans put forth a tremendous effort to oust the defending Super Bowl champion Patriots. But now they have another giant to slay in the Divisional Round as they travel to Baltimore.
Armed with the likely NFL MVP, Lamar Jackson, and one of the league’s most dangerous and efficient offenses, the Ravens ran through the regular season with ease. After a 2-2 start, Baltimore won their final 12 games as their defense caught up to the offense down the stretch, particularly after trading for Marcus Peters.
The Titans got hot late in the year as well, though. When Ryan Tannehill took over the quarterback spot, the offense took off as Henry became a full-fledged monster and rookie wide receiver A.J. Brown emerged as a breakout star. Whether or not the No. 6 seed can slay another behemoth, however, remains in question.
As Tennessee opened as 10-point underdogs, they are clearly facing an uphill battle. But how will things transpire at M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday? Here are five bold predictions for the Divisional Round matchup in the 2020 AFC Playoffs.
5. Ravens rush for 250+ yards
The bread and butter of the Ravens this season has been their rushing offense. With the wheels of Jackson aiding the cause in a big way, Baltimore was the NFL’s best run game by a wide margin, averaging 206.0 yards per game (second place was the 49ers at 144.1 yards per game).
However, the big question entering Saturday’s matchup with Tennessee is how healthy running back Mark Ingram will be after injuring his calf in Week 16. He’s had three weeks to rest since the injury but is still listed as questionable. But while it would be easier to accomplish with Ingram, Baltimore will still dominate on the ground.
Even if Ingram can’t go, Gus Edwards is a powerful back that can be complemented by the speed of Jackson and rookie running back Justice Hill. They have the versatility in their rushing attack to exploit a slight lack of athleticism in the Titans linebacker group and control the game by sticking with the run.