Mark Ingram has bee a tremendous addition to the Baltimore Ravens. He signed a three-year, $15 million deal in the offseason and is earning every cent. Ingram has a chance to really earn his contract with a big game against the 10-1 San Francisco 49ers.

Ingram has 778 rushing yards and nine touchdowns this season. He is the clear-cut RB1 on the NFL's hottest team. The Ravens have won seven in a row to get to 9-2 on the season. They have already taken down the New England Patriots now they will look to do the same to the top team in the NFC.

The Ravens have the MVP front runner in Lamar Jackson under center, but he may not be the X-Factor in this game. Baltimore needs Ingram to continue to run the ball effectively if they want to come out on top in this one.

Ingram has stepped in and become an immediate leader in Baltimore. He is a tough runner who shows attitude and personality both on and off the field. We see it during press conferences when Ingram is campaigning for his quarterback to win MVP.

The Ravens have been the league's best rushing team and it hasn't been close. Led by Ingram and Jackson, Baltimore rushes for 210.5 yards per game. This is 65 yards more than any other team in the league. If there is one aspect where the 49ers are vulnerable, it is their run defense where they allow over 100 yards per game.

Establishing the run early with Ingram does a number of things for the Ravens. First, it shortens the game and keeps the Niners' offense off the field. If San Francisco does not have a ton of possessions, it will be hard for them to keep up.

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Second, it keeps the Ravens from being one dimensional. Jackson is extremely elusive and can get away from a rush at any time. But the Ravens do not want to become predictable where the Niners know they are going to drop back to pass.

Baltimore has not turned the ball over at a high rate this season. Ingram has just two fumbles on the season while Jackson has turned it over just five times. When the Ravens take the field on Sunday, M&T Bank Stadium is going to be electric.

The fans will be excited to see the Ravens establish a run game early and wear down the Niners throughout the game. This recipe could lead them to their 10th win and one step close to a one-seed in the AFC.