Empty the Bench

Ranks Preview by Andrew Thell

The Ravens have not played as well as expected this season, but they’ve also had an extremely difficult schedule. That schedule gives them a repreive this week with the Lions rolling into town, but I don’t expect Baltimore’s defense to take the week off. Far from it: in this must-win game they should come out inspired.

The Ravens offense should be able to spot them a lead, their rush defense is still elite, and Kevin Smith has hard enough time generating yards on the ground as it is. That means Daunte Culpepper, stepping in for the injured Matthew Stafford, will be forced to throw all day. I fully expect Baltimore to tee off, making them an elite option win Week 14.

The Green Bay Packers were most impressive on Monday Night Football. This is a complete unit that is really gelling right now. They’re opportunistic, can take away the opponent’s best option, and don’t have any glaring weaknesses despite a couple of big injuries. This week they head into Chicago and face off against the quarterback who shares the NFL interceptions lead with Matthew Stafford at 20. On the ground, the Bears offensive line and RB Matt Forte are a complete mess. There’s no reason not to expect big things out of the Pack DEF on Sunday.

See also:
- Week 14 QB Rankings
- Week 14 RB Rankings
- Week 14 WR Rankings
- Week 14 TE Rankings

1. Baltimore Ravens vs. DET
2. Green Bay Packers @ CHI
3. Pittsburgh Steelers @ CLE
4. New Orleans Saints @ ATL
5. Minnesota Vikings vs. CIN
6. New York Jets @ TB
7. New England Patriots vs. CAR
8. Arizona Cardinals @ SF
9. Tennessee Titans vs. STL
10. Philadelphia Eagles @ NYG
11. San Diego Chargers @ DAL
12. Indianapolis Colts vs. DEN
13. Tampa Bay Bucs vs. NYJ
14. Buffalo Bills @ KC
15. Washington Redskins @ OAK
16. Miami Dolphins @ JAC
17. Oakland Raiders vs. WAS

Ed Reed Photo Credit: Icon SMI