Baltimore Ravens vs. Minnesota Vikings: 3 key matchups

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 15: Harrison Smith #22 of and Xavier Rhodes #29 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrate an interception by Smith during the fourth quarter of the game against the Green Bay Packers on October 15, 2017 at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Jeremy Maclin vs. Xavier Rhodes

Both Jeremy Maclin and Xavier Rhodes are dealing with injuries heading into Sunday, but the two should be active come game time. Assuming they are, it’s going to be one of the best matchups to watch. It’s the veteran receiver against the talented young cornerback.

Maclin was the Ravens big offseason addition and has had his up and downs through six games. He was inactive against the Bears last Sunday and his presence was known. The Ravens have one of the worst passing attacks in football and Maclin is the key to turning that around. He’ll be shadowed by Rhodes, who’s been one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL since entering the league just four years ago.

Rhodes loves to play physical and it makes him a tough cornerback to come up against. He isn’t afraid to get in your face and knows how to frustrate even the best of receivers. The Ravens receivers have had trouble getting separation this season and that worries me. If Rhodes can stick on Maclin, he’s going to get the chance to jump a route. If it’s a bad pass by Flacco, that’s six points going the other way.

Next: Baltimore Ravens scouting report: A look at the Minnesota Vikings

As thin as the Ravens are at wide receiver heading into Sunday, Maclin has to be that player we’ve seen in the past. If he doesn’t show up, it’s going to be buisness as usual for Rhodes and the Vikings secondary.

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