Today, 1 p.m. -- M&T Bank Stadium -- Ch. 45 -- 1090 AM, 97.9 FM -- Line: Ravens by 4
Ravens run offense vs. Falcons run defense
Despite playing six games against defenses ranked 22nd or lower in run defense, running back Jamal Lewis ranks 24th in the NFL in rushing (64.2 yards a game). He has averaged 3 yards or fewer in three of his past six games. Ranked ninth in run defense, the Falcons have a fast and aggressive front seven that does a good job of attacking gaps. The biggest challenge is for left guard Jason Brown and center Mike Flynn to move nose tackle Grady Jackson. In its two-game losing streak, Atlanta has given up three rushing touchdowns.
Edge: Falcons
Ravens pass offense vs. Falcons pass defense
Atlanta is hurting in the secondary, where cornerback Jason Webster (groin) is out and two other starters - cornerback Jimmy Williams (ankle) and safety Chris Crocker (hip) - are questionable. The Falcons' pass rush has even more problems because ends John Abraham (groin) and Patrick Kerney (pectoral) are out with injuries. The Ravens could try to exploit the Falcons by spreading them out with their deepest receiving group in years (Derrick Mason, Mark Clayton and rookie Demetrius Williams). Tight end Todd Heap, who leads the Ravens with five touchdowns, is questionable with an ankle injury. In three career games against Atlanta, Ravens quarterback Steve McNair is 3-0 with a 101.2 quarterback rating.
Edge: Ravens
Falcons run offense vs. Ravens run defense
As the NFL's top-ranked rushing team, the Falcons are on pace to break the league record for rushing yards in a single season. But Atlanta hasn't been committed to the run in its past two losses. Quarterback Michael Vick has led the team in rushing, gaining 74 and 80 yards the past two weeks, while running back Warrick Dunn's carries have decreased. The Falcons' problems can be partially attributed to the loss of guards Kynan Forney (shoulder) and Matt Lehr, who could be coming off a four-game suspension. The Ravens are ranked No. 2 in run defense, but they will be without linebacker Ray Lewis (back). Jarret Johnson is expected to make his first start at inside linebacker.
Edge: Even
Falcons pass offense vs. Ravens pass defense
