Ravens run offense versus Rams run defense:
Despite injuries to starters center Steve Everitt, left guard Jonathan Ogden and right tackle Orlando Brown, Ravens still have too much firepower up front for the Rams. St. Louis is ranked 23rd in the NFL in rushing defense allowing an average of 125.6 yards. Look for Ravens runners Bam Morris and Earnest Byner to have good days.
Edge: Ravens.
Ravens pass offense versus Rams pass defense:
The Ravens Vinny Testaverde is one of the hottest quarterbacks in the league right now, and currently the top rated in the AFC. Receivers Michael Jackson, Derrick Alexander and tight end Eric Green should get impressive numbers against the Rams, who are ranked 28th in the league in passing allowing an average 251.1 yards. Ravens are averaging 231.3 passing and should hit the the mark today.
Edge: Ravens.
Rams run offense versus Ravens run defense:
This should be an interesting matchup. The Rams have the worst rushing offense in the league, but running back Lawrence Phillips has played well the last two games. The Ravens are allowing 128.7 yards rushing a game, but have a number of defensive linemen playing out of position in this new fangled 3-4 defense. Will this be Phillips' break out game? Nah.
Edge: Ravens.
Rams pass offense against Ravens pass defense:
Another classic matchup between two of the league's worst groups. The Rams have simplified their offense to accomodate rookie quarterback Tony Banks, which explains why they have the league's worst passing offense. But they do have receiver Isaac Bruce, who will give the Ravens trouble. The Ravens secondary is still in disarray, and safety Stevon Moore can't cover the entire field. The Rams passing attack may get healthy today.
Edge: Rams
Special teams:
This game will show case two of the league's best punters in Sean Landeta and Greg Montgomery. Matt Stover is a better placekicker than Chip Lohmiller, but Rams have a better punt return unit.
Edge: Even
KEY MATCHUP:
Banks vs. the Ravens secondary. Opposing quarterbacks have lit the Ravens up for an average of 215.9 yards passing this season. It will be interesting to see what the Ravens come up with to try and confuse Banks who has won only one NFL game.
Edge: Ravens.
Intangibles:
The Ravens are home after two weeks on the road, and they know this is the beginning of a crucial three game stretch in which they are favored to win.
Edge: Ravens
Prediction:
The Rams have too much inexperience on offense and the Ravens have too much offensive firepower. The Ravens will probably take control by late in the third or early in the fourth period. Ravens by six.
Pub Date: 10/27/96
