Two of the NFL heavyweights meet in Week 13.
The Baltimore Ravens got back on track on Monday against the LA Chargers.
The Chargers had the same number of wins as the Ravens – seven – going into the game.
But Sunday evening brings a whole new test, with possibly the best offense Baltimore has faced and definitely the most balanced team.
The Ravens have faced strong offenses, including the Cincinnati Bengals twice, the Buffalo Bills and an in-form Washington Commanders, winning all four.
They have also played the league leading Pittsburgh Steelers defense – by points – coming up just short.
However, the 9-2 Philadelphia Eagles are the most complete package.
What the data says
The Eagles have the third-best offence by yards, paired with the league’s best defence by yardage.
One crumb of optimism for the Ravens is that they are at home, where they have a 4-1 record this year.
More reassuringly, the Baltimore defence is second against the run, allowing 78 yards a game. However that is most likely – at least in part – because they are 31st against the pass.
Another major issue is the Ravens defense is 25th in third down efficiency, a metric the Eagles rank third in.
Getting off the field will be a crucial factor for both teams, especially given both teams are in the top eight for converting third downs, but it is something Baltimore is improving.
The Ravens are in fact the third-best third down offence.
The run in
Tonight’s game is a crucial staging post for the Ravens. It comes before their bye and then a trip to the New York Giants.
A win would also mean at least a three-game lead on the eighth seed with five games left to play.
The run in beyond that sees home divisional games against the Steelers and Cleveland Browns, sandwiching a visit to the Houston Texans on Christmas Day.
