Basics
Kickoff: 4:25 p.m., CenturyLink Field
TV: WBFF Channel 45 (Baltimore) FOX crew (Dick Stockton, Ronde Barber, Mark Schlereth, Jennifer Hale)
Radio: WBAL (1090 AM/101.5 FM) & 98 Rock (97.9 FM), Ravens crew (Gerry Sandusky, Jarret Johnson)
Jersey color: White
Stakes
A victory would give the Ravens (4-2) their first three-game winning streak of the season and make a big statement that Baltimore is a legit AFC contender. So far, the Ravens' four wins have been against teams with a combined four wins among them. The Seahawks (5-1) are trying to start 6-1 for the first time since their Super Bowl-winning season of 2013.
History
Seattle has won the last three meetings and leads the all-time series, 3-2. The Ravens last faced the Seahawks in 2015, with Seattle taking a 35-6 decision in Baltimore. Russell Wilson tossed five touchdowns passes and threw for 292 yards. Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett caught six passes for 104 yards and two touchdowns.Â
Key Storylines
Can the Ravens slow down Russell Wilson?
Wilson is playing as well as anyone in the NFL with 14 touchdown passes, no interceptions and a league-leading quarterback rating of 124.7. He's the main reason Seattle is 5-1, and if the Ravens can't create a consistent pass rush, preventing Wilson from having a big day will difficult.
Will cornerback Marcus Peters make an immediate impact?
Acquired in a Tuesday trade with the Los Angeles Rams, Peters' task has been to learn as much as he can about Baltimore's defense prior to Sunday's kickoff. He's a unique talent, the NFL's leader in interceptions since 2015. Facing a quarterback as good as Wilson gives Peters a challenging assignment in his Ravens debut, but he'll be looking to end the Seattle quarterback's turnover-free streak.
Will safety Earl Thomas III be victorious in his return to Seattle?
The emotional storyline to this game is Thomas facing the team he played with for nine years. He was a great player for Seattle, and he'll be facing the Seahawks for the first time. No matter what happens, it will be a game Thomas won't forget, especially if the Ravens win.
Key Matchups
Ravens offensive line vs Seahawks defensive line
It's going to be loud, putting the [ADD] onus on Baltimore's offensive line to avoid pre-snap penalties that can ruin drives. Keeping Seattle's pass rush away from Jackson will also be a challenge. The Seahawks have two premier edge rushers in Jadeveon Clowney and Ziggy Ansah, and defensive tackle Jarran Reed will make his season debut after missing six games for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. Reed had 10 ½ sacks last [ADD] year.
Ravens secondary vs. Wilson
Thomas' familiarity with Wilson after years of practicing against him could give the Ravens an edge. He's been sharing what he knows about Wilson with Ravens players, and the addition of Peters adds a new dynamic to Baltimore's secondary. However, Wilson is one of the smartest quarterbacks around and he's just as familiar with Thomas. It sets up an interesting chess match.
Ravens run defense vs. Seahawks RB Chris Carson
While Baltimore's run defense has improved since inside linebacker Josh Bynes became a starter in Week 5, Carson entered Week 7 as the league's fifth-leading rusher (504 yards). If the Ravens can't control Carson, Wilson will be even more difficult to handle. The Seahawks have the third-most rushing attempts in the NFL, trailing only the Ravens and San Francisco 49ers, respectively.
