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

By Richard Bradshaw

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 08: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens looks to pass during the first half against the Buffalo Bills in the game at New Era Field on December 08, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 08: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens looks to pass during the first half against the Buffalo Bills in the game at New Era Field on December 08, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) /
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ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 08: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills throws the ball intended for Cole Beasley #10 of the Buffalo Bills during the fourth quarter of an NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens at New Era Field on December 08, 2019, in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 08: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills throws the ball intended for Cole Beasley #10 of the Buffalo Bills during the fourth quarter of an NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens at New Era Field on December 08, 2019, in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) /

Darin McCann:

Trap or not, Ravens win this game.

With nine straight wins in their rearview, the division title easily within reach, some injuries on offense and a chance to right a wrong against the Cleveland Browns next week, it would be easy to say that this Thursday night matchup against the New York Jets smells like a trap.

It’s not. That smell is the Jets.

Must Read. Baltimore Ravens have brawny reputation, but brains are winning the race. light

The Jets have won four out of five, but those four were against the Giants, Dolphins, Raiders, and Redskins. The Ravens, if you haven’t noticed, are not the Giants, Dolphins, Raiders, and Redskins. Their one loss during the run? The Cincinnati Bengals. Yes. Those Cincinnati Bengals.

Sure, the Ravens have some injuries that could hurt them this week, including tackle Ronnie Stanley, tight end Mark Andrews and, even, Lamar Jackson — though it certainly appears Jackson will be playing Thursday night. I’m also still a little concerned over the impact of losing center Matt Skura for the season.

But home game, in prime time, with the AFC North title within their reach? Give me the Ravens in this one, all day every day.

The Jets average 271.4 yards of offense per game. The Ravens rush for more than 200 yards per game. There simply isn’t a path for the Jets to score more points than the Ravens this week, barring defensive touchdowns and special teams scores. Sure, Sam Darnold has the capability of hitting Robbie Anderson for big scores, but can he do that four times in this game? Against this defensive backfield? With that offensive line? Absolutely not.

Bold predictions
• Jaylon Ferguson picks up two sacks.

• Marquise Brown breaks a crossing route or slant to go for more than 50-yards.

• Robert Griffin III is driving the bus in the fourth quarter, with the game firmly in hand.

Final score: Ravens 37 Jets 13

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