Basics:
Kickoff: 4:25 p.m., Nissan Stadium
TV: Channel 13, WJZ (Baltimore) CBS crew (Kevin Harlan, Rich Gannon, Steve Tasker)
Radio: WBAL (1090 AM) and 98 Rock (98.7 FM)
Ravens jersey color: White
Stakes
The Ravens (3-2) are coming off a disappointing 12-9 overtime loss in Cleveland and have not lost two straight all season. After not scoring a touchdown in Week 5, the Ravens need to get back on track offensively. Both Ravens defeats have come against AFC opponents. Another conference loss could be costly for the Ravens in possible tiebreaker scenarios.
History
The Titans (3-2) hold a 10-9 edge in the all-time series, including a 23-20 victory last November in Tennessee. Marcus Mariota threw two second-half touchdowns in that game, giving the Titans a 23-13 lead with less than four minutes to play. A Joe Flacco touchdown pass to Mike Wallace with 46 seconds left accounted for Baltimore's lone second half touchdown.
Key Storylines
Will the Ravens get the best of former defensive coordinator Dean Pees?
The Ravens enter this game struggling offensively, without a touchdown since the first quarter in Week 4 against the Steelers. Pees was the Ravens' defensive coordinator for six seasons and knows Flacco's tendencies very well. On the flip side, the Ravens know how Pees thinks and how he likes to defend in certain situations. Neither side may have the advantage, but Pees' presence makes this matchup more personal for both the coaches and players.
Will defense dominate this game?
The Titans did not score a touchdown in Week 5 either, losing 13-12 to the Buffalo Bills. The Ravens could add to Tennessee's offensive woes. Baltimore is the only NFL team that has not allowed a second-half touchdown. Except for the first half in Cincinnati when they surrendered 28 points, the Ravens' defense has been excellent all season. If the Ravens struggle offensively, we could be looking at another low-scoring battle.
Have the Ravens solved their special teams issues?
They've had two blocked field goals, a blocked punt, fumbled returns and costly penalties. The Ravens need more consistent play from their special teams, which are usually a strength. They are expected to try another punt returner in Week 6, after demoting Tim White to the practice squad and signing Cyrus Jones. Either Jones, Willie Snead IV, or John Brown could be called upon to return punts.
Key Matchups
Ravens red zone offense vs. Titans red zone defense
The Titans have the NFL's best red zone defense statistically, allowing a touchdown just 23 percent of the time. Meanwhile, the Ravens red zone offense has struggled recently. After scoring touchdowns on their first 13 trips to the red zone this season, the Ravens have played 123 minutes since their last touchdown in Week 4.
Ravens pass rush vs. Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota
The Titans have a winning record, but Mariota has struggled. His quarterback rating (72.3) is the lowest of any quarterback that has thrown at least 100 passes except rookie Josh Allen of the Bills (60.4). Mariota is mobile and can hurt the Ravens with his legs. But if they pressure Mariota and keep him in the pocket, he is prone to make mistakes and is unlikely to play well enough to beat them.
Ravens receivers vs. Titans defense
This could be an important bounce-back game for Ravens wide receiver Michael Crabtree, who had several key drops in Week 5. Rookie tight end Hayden Hurst could play a bigger role offensively after a strong week of practice. The Ravens want to reestablish consistency in their passing game, but the Titans are allowing just 210 passing yards per game, third best in the NFL.
