Returning from their bye week, the Ravens (8-5) begin a crucial four-game stretch with a road game against the New York Giants (2-11).
Basics
Kickoff: Sunday, 1 p.m., MetLife Stadium
TV: WJZ Channel 13 (Baltimore), WUSA Channel 9, (Washington), and more. CBS crew Andrew Catalon (play-by-play), Tiki Barber (analyst), Jason McCourty (analyst), A.J. Ross (sideline)
Radio: WBAL (101.5 FM/1090 AM), 98 Rock (97.9 FM), SiriusXM Radio Ch. 139 or 382. Ravens crew: Gerry Sandusky (play-by-play), Rod Woodson (analyst). Spanish Radio WLZL El Zol (107.9 FM), Tico Sports, David Andrade (play-by-play), Allen Gutierrez (analyst)
History
The Ravens lead the all-time series, 4-3, but the Giants hold a 3-1 edge at home. The Giants are one of two teams (Minnesota is the other) that the Ravens haven't beaten on the road under Head Coach John Harbaugh. Their last meeting was in 2022, when New York rallied from 10-point deficit to win, 24-20, at MetLife Stadium.
Stakes
The Ravens are in strong playoff position but trail the Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3) in the AFC North. A victory would keep Baltimore on Pittsburgh's heels heading into the Ravens-Steelers showdown in Week 16. The Giants are on an eight-game losing streak and are the only NFL team still winless at home (0-7). It's possible the Giants will have the No. 1 pick in the draft, and how they perform during the last four games may impact some important offseason decisions.
Key Storylines
Will Derrick Henry feast on the Giants' run defense?
New York ranks 29th in run defense and surrendered 176 yards and two touchdowns to Saquon Barkley of the Eagles in October. Henry (1,407 yards) is chasing Barkley for the NFL rushing title, and December has historically been the most productive month of Henry's career. Fresh after the bye week, Henry could be poised for a big day.
Will John Harbaugh continue his post-bye week success?
The Ravens are 13-3 under Harbaugh in games that immediately follow their bye week. This situation looks made to order for Baltimore – well-rested, healthy, and facing an opponent that has been struggling. However, a win in the NFL can never be taken for granted, and the Ravens can't afford a slip in their quest to win the division.
Can the Ravens end their recent woes against backup quarterbacks?
Baltimore has already been defeated by backup quarterbacks Gardner Minshew (Raiders) and Jameis Winston (Browns). With Drew Lock (heel) in a walking boot this week, Giants Head Coach Brian Daboll has named backup Tommy DeVito the starter for Sunday. DeVito won three straight starts last season and can be dangerous if he settles into a rhythm.
CB Nate Wiggins vs. WR Malik Nabers
The battle between first-round rookies is sure to get a lot of reps as Nabers averages more than 11 targets per game. He is the workhouse for a struggling Giants offense but can dominate games, as he did in Week 13 against the Commanders with 10 catches for 127 yards and a touchdown. Wiggins has played more than 60% of the defensive snaps over the past four weeks as the Ravens secondary is starting to click. Slowing down Nabers will be priority No. 1 for Wiggins and the Baltimore defense.
ILB Roquan Smith vs. RB Tyrone Tracy Jr.
After converting to running back in his final year of college, Tracy has been a bright spot for New York's offense, running for 664 yards and five touchdowns. The former wide receiver also has 29 catches for 216 receiving yards, so expect Smith to draw him in the pass game at points. Smith is coming off his two best games of the season and had an extra week to rest the hamstring that kept him out in Week 12.
LT Ronnie Stanley vs. DE Brian Burns
The Giants' strength lies in their defensive line, and Burns has been a stud ever since they traded for him over the offseason. Burns has seven sacks and two forced fumbles, but he'll face one of the game's best left tackles in Stanley, who hasn't allowed a sack all season, according to Pro Football Focus.
RT Roger Rosengarten vs. OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux
Rosengarten has held his own since becoming a full-time starter as a rookie, and he faces a fierce edge rusher on Sunday. Thibodeaux has three sacks in eight games this season, but he posted 11.5 in 2023 and can muddy the backfield quickly. The Ravens need to prevent New York's star pass rushers from wrecking the game.
WR Zay Flowers vs. S Jason Pinnock
Flowers had a couple of big plays against the Eagles, and he will look to build on that at MetLife Stadium. Flowers' 863 receiving yards are already more than all of last season, and he's averaging three yards per reception more than his rookie year. After benching 2023 first round pick and University of Maryland alumni Deonte Banks, the Giants don't have any big names at cornerback, but Pinnock will play a bigger role on the back end with rookie Tyler Nubin on injured reserve.
Players to Watch
QB Lamar Jackson
Jackson was ticked off after losing to the Eagles before the bye and has been antsy to play since. The next four games will determine whether the Ravens repeat as AFC North champs, and Jackson wants to start the home stretch with a strong performance.
CB Nate Wiggins
In a battle between first-round rookies, Wiggins will spend time defending Malik Nabers, the talented wide receiver who is the Giants' main threat. New York will have difficulty pulling off the upset unless Nabers shines, and Wiggins will try to prevent that from happening.
TE Mark Andrews
Andrews needs one touchdown to break the tie with Jamal Lewis for the most in franchise history. With seven touchdowns in his last eight games, Andrews has been on a roll, and Baltimore has the NFL's top red zone offense. When the Ravens get near the goal line, Jackson may be even more likely to look Andrews' way.
