Matchup BAL - JAX

The Ravens can clinch an AFC wild-card playoff berth with the victory. The game is at home and the Ravens should get an emotional lift from the crowd. The Ravens were picked to finish at the bottom of the AFC North by most preseason experts, but they find themselves a game away from the playoffs.

Jacksonville will play hard in the game. The Jaguars are coached by former Ravens linebackers coach Jack Del Rio. He'd like nothing better to knock his former team off at home and out of the playoffs. He will have the Jaguars motivated to play.

This could be the last home game for several Ravens veterans including linebackers Bart Scott, Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs as well as cornerback Samari Rolle and defensive end Trevor Pryce. All three of the linebackers' contracts will expire at the end of the season. This group has played a lot of good football together. It's unlikely the Ravens will resign all three.


Jaguars Keys For Success

1. Continue aggressive play calling.

Baltimore's defense usually dictates the flow of a game, but the Jags can't afford to let that happen. So Jacksonville needs to continue the aggressive offensive attacks it has used the past two weeks. A key component of that is using QB David Garrard as a dual threat.

2. Limit mistakes in the secondary.

The Jags have destroyed solid outings by the secondary this season by making one or two mistakes that have cost them ball games. The most glaring miscues seem to come from second-year FS Reggie Nelson, who tends to bite on play action and pump fakes, causing the club to allow what Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio calls "gimme" plays.

3. Confuse Flacco.

Against dangerous passing attacks the last two weeks, the Jaguars have done a solid job of disguising their coverages. The club can disrupt the pre-snap reads of rookie Flacco by disguising their coverages. Jacksonville doesn't pose much of a threat blitzing, but confusing looks on the back end could be the key to success for the Jags on defense.


Ravens Keys For Success

1. Line 'em up.

The Ravens have to shut down Jacksonville's running game and make the Jaguars one-dimensional. Look for the Ravens to put seven defensive players near the line of scrimmage and force the Jaguars to throw. If Jacksonville gets behind early, this could be a rout.

2. Go, go, go McGahee.

The Ravens have to get running back Willis McGahee into the game. The Ravens are OK with Le'Ron McClain as the starter, but he can't get outside. McGahee gives the Ravens a legitimate outside scoring threat, and opens up a defense.

3. Special teams a big factor.

The Ravens have to play well on special teams. When the Ravens win the field position game, they are virtually unbeatable because of their defense. The coverage units have to perform well, and their return specialists (Yamon Figurs) can't be careless with the ball. Jacksonville doesn't have much of an offense, so field position will be a major factor.


The Bottom Line

The Ravens have something to play for, and the Jaguars have nothing. The Jaguars have been hit hard by injuries — especially on the offensive line. If the Ravens get a lead, and keep the crowd in the game, this game could be over by halftime. The Ravens are like sharks in the water, and they smell blood and a playoff berth. It will be a long day for Jacksonville.