Ebony Bird round-table: Picks/predictions for Ravens vs. Bills

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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 01: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens hands the ball off to Mark Ingram #21 against the San Francisco 49ers after throwing a first-quarter touchdown pass at M&T Bank Stadium on December 01, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Garrett Ferguson:

The Baltimore Ravens head to Orchard Park to take on the red hot Buffalo Bills who are suddenly one game behind the Ravens in the AFC playoff standings. There has been a lot of talk about the Bills not being much of a competition due to their soft schedule, I was one of those people, but you have to give it to them. This is the National Football League and no game is a given, so they very much worked for their nine wins.

Previous matchups against the Bills have been a boat race for Baltimore but I think this one is going to be a lot closer than some people think. Buffalo has an outstanding defense which is currently ranked third in total defense according to NFL.com so this is no walk in the park. On top of that, winds are supposed to be around 18 mph so this game will likely be decided on the ground and that’s where Baltimore has the advantage. The Bills have the leagues 14th ranked rush defense while Baltimore is boasting the best running game of all time, statistically. I expect a heavy dose of Lamar Jackson and Mark Ingram.

As for the passing game, I expect offensive coordinator Greg Roman to call a lot of short passing plays for the tight ends and wide receivers to help combat the strong winds. Lamar Jackson has a strong arm but the ball traveling in the wind is wildly unpredictable so don’t expect many deep balls to Marquise Brown. Sunday’s matchup will consist of a strong running game and a lot of drags, slants, and comeback routes. That is unless the wind is going with the ball then I could see Jackson launching one deep to Hollywood.

Next. 2019 Lamar Jackson vs. 2006 Michael Vick: It’s not close. dark

This matchup not only has huge implications on the playoff picture but also the NFL record books. Lamar Jackson only needs 63 more rushing yards to break the NFL record set by Michael Vick and you should put your money on it happening against Buffalo this week. This matchup has all the makings for a strong day on the ground and that’s why I think Lamar Jackson will run for 100+ yards and break Vicks record.

Bold Prediction: Lamar Jackson rushes for at least 125-yards, Mark Ingram rushes for over 150-yards.

Score Prediction: Ravens 31- Bills 28

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