This weekend's slate of NFL games features some of the best matchups of the season. One of the top marquee matchups will feature a pair of AFC contenders going at it, as the Baltimore Ravens take on the Indianapolis Colts.
The Colts jumped into a tie with the Titans for the top spot in the AFC South, while the Ravens are hoping to make up ground on the undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North.
Here are four bold predictions for Sunday's clash between the Ravens and Colts.
J.K. Dobbins rushes for over 100 yards
Dobbins has had a strange season to this point.
The second-round pick generated a ton of buzz for the Ravens in the offseason, showcasing his downhill running style and also looking like a capable receiver out of the backfield. But Dobbins' usage was very spotty with both Mark Ingram and Gus Edwards still in the picture.
However, Baltimore would be wise to keep the Dobbins train rolling after he gashed the Pittsburgh Steelers for 113 yards on 7.53 yards per carry last weekend.
The Steelers entered that contest with one of the top rushing defenses in the league, but Dobbins was incredibly explosive and kept Pittsburgh off balance. With Ingram possibly sidelined due to an ankle injury, expect the Ravens to call Dobbins' number with frequency.
Indianapolis has dominated against the run, ranking second in both rushing yards allowed and yards per carry. DeForest Buckner has been worth every penny, stuffing the run and making plays in the backfield. Denico Autry has also had success chasing the ball, and Darius Leonard is a menace at the middle linebacker spot.
But the Colts have also faced some relatively underwhelming rushing attacks thus far, and the Ravens have one of the most unique schemes in football.
The Colts will likely key in on Lamar Jackson, which could result in a big day for Dobbins if he finds holes and breaks into the second level.
Nyheim Hines finds the end zone
Hines has had mixed results as part of Indy's three-headed monster in the backfield.
However, the shifty 23-year-old has remained a pretty consistent part of the passing attack. Hines saw 11 targets in the past two games. He had three receptions for 54 yards and a pair of scores against the Detroit Lions last week, and he could be a vital part of the game plan again this week.
Don Martindale and the Ravens love to bring pressure and will almost certainly do so against Philip Rivers. Additionally, Baltimore has the cover guys who can slow the passing game. That said, Marlon Humphrey will miss the contest after being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
Rivers might have to resort to the flats and get the ball out quickly if the Colts hope to move the ball, especially on late-down situations. But Humphrey's absence is crucial, and the Ravens will have to adjust to account for sending pressure.
Hines serves the most to benefit from this hypothesis. He is tremendous in open space, capable of making defenders miss and changing directions on a dime.
There is also the fact Hines is a capable route-runner who can line up out wide when the Colts spread things out, just as he did against the Lions.
Indianapolis will need to utilize all of its weapons to move the ball through the air against the Ravens, and Hines could have another solid game with Baltimore sending pressure and focusing on the Colts' other weapons.
Ravens generate three turnovers
The Ravens' tendency to bring pressure could open up the flats, but Martindale will be open to taking that risk by getting guys in Rivers' face.
Rivers has traditionally had success when facing pressure. However, that was with a Chargers team boasting exceptional weapons at the skill positions.
The Colts have the better offensive line, but they do not boast the same kind of talented pass catchers as the Chargers. Plus, T.Y. Hilton is nursing a groin injury and is questionable for Sunday's matchup.
This could make things challenging for Rivers. The veteran is coming off his two best games of the year, but was also facing underwhelming defenses in Detroit and Cincinnati.
Expect the Ravens to get into the backfield and force Rivers' hand. The 38-year-old already has a tendency to fit the ball into tight windows, which is not the best formula in this one.
Baltimore's defense will put its stamp on the game with a few turnovers.
Under 45 combined points
This has all the makings of a defensive game.
Even if the Ravens have success in the run, they will need at least some balance against a defense as stout as Indy's. But Jackson has looked iffy in the last three weeks.
The reigning NFL MVP had a nightmare game against the Steelers, completing just 13 out of 28 passes while throwing a pair of interceptions and losing two fumbles.
Jackson has struggled against teams capable of generating heavy pressure, which is not a good sign against a Colts team that can bring pressure up the middle or the edge. Plus, the Colts also lead the NFL in interceptions.
However, Indianapolis' offense will have an equally tough time scoring, particularly given its inability to establish the run. The Colts rank last in the NFL in yards per carry.
Granted, most teams try to counteract Baltimore's tendency to bring pressure through quick-hit passing plays, and the Colts will attempt to do the same. But this is Indy's toughest test to date, and Rivers and Co. could also struggle to put up points.
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