Lamar Jackson is the toughest quarterback to defend on the Giants' schedule this year.
John Schmeelk: Fiction- Jackson is the most dangerous runner at quarterback that the Giants will face this year, but he will not be the most difficult one to defend. The Ravens are last in the NFL in pass completions of 15+ yards. Their difficulty stretching the field with deep throws takes an element away that was present with Russell Wilson and Kyler Murray. Jackson will be a pain to defend, but not as difficult or challenging as Wilson or Murray, who can run it and throw it at the highest level.
Lance Medow: Fact- Lamar Jackson is 12th in the NFL in rushing with 828 yards and first in yards per carry with 6.1 - that's for all players, not just quarterbacks. Arizona's Kyler Murray, who the Giants just faced, is 18th (741) and second (6.0) in those respective categories. Like Murray, Jackson is a dual-threat, so that means you need to account for his ability to run as much as what he can do with his arm. Lamar has tremendous speed and if you're not used to dealing with his skills, it could be a rude awakening. Jackson is extremely unique and a step up from Murray, based on his speed and frame. The former has run for at least 51 yards in ten of his 14 games this season. This is by far the Giants' biggest challenge when it comes to defending a quarterback.
View rare photos of the history between the Giants and Ravens ahead of their Week 16 matchup.
New York Giants wide receiver Ron Dixon (86) runs for a 97-yard touchdown during the third quarter of Super Bowl XXXV against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Jan. 28, 2001, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Laura Rauch)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) runs upfield during an NFL Super Bowl XXXV game against the Baltimore Ravens in Tampa at Raymond James Stadium on Jan. 28, 2001. The Ravens defeated the Giants 34-7. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Ike Hilliard (88) runs upfield with the ball during Super Bowl XXXV Jan. 28, 2001, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the New York Giants 34–7. (Allen Kee via AP)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Trent Dilfer (8) is tackled by New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan (92) during Super Bowl XXXV on Jan. 28, 2001 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the New York Giants 34–7. (Allen Kee via AP)
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Brandon Stokley (80) is tackled by New York Giants cornerback Jason Sehorn (31) during Super Bowl XXXV on Jan. 28, 2001 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the New York Giants 34–7. (Allen Kee via AP)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Trent Dilfer (8) is tackled by New York Giants defensive end Keith Hamilton (75) during Super Bowl XXXV on Jan. 28, 2001 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the New York Giants 34–7. (Allen Kee via AP)
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis (52) tackles New York Giants tight end Howard Cross (87) during Super Bowl XXXV Jan. 28, 2001, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the New York Giants 34â€"7. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Ron Dixon (86) returns a kickoff during an NFL Super Bowl XXXV game against the Baltimore Ravens in Tampa at Raymond James Stadium on Jan. 28, 2001. The Ravens defeated the Giants 34-7. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Ron Dixon (86) rushes the ball during Super Bowl XXXV Jan. 28, 2001, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the New York Giants 34–7. (Allen Kee via AP)
A Baltimore Ravens player is tackled by New York Giants linebacker Ryan Phillips (91) and cornerback Jason Sehorn (31) during Super Bowl XXXV on Jan. 28, 2001 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The Ravens defeated the Giants 34–7. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Ron Dixon (86) returns a kickoff during an NFL Super Bowl XXXV game against the Baltimore Ravens in Tampa at Raymond James Stadium on Jan. 28, 2001. The Ravens defeated the Giants 34-7. (Allen Kee via AP)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Trent Dilfer (8) is tackled during Super Bowl XXXV on Jan. 28, 2001 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the New York Giants 34–7. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Ike Hilliard (88) runs upfield during an NFL Super Bowl XXXV game against the Baltimore Ravens in Tampa at Raymond James Stadium on Jan. 28, 2001. The Ravens defeated the Giants 34-7. (Allen Kee via AP)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Trent Dilfer (8) looks to throw a pass under pressure from New York Giants linebacker Mike Barrow (58) during Super Bowl XXXV on Jan. 28, 2001 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The Ravens defeated the Giants 34–7. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan (92) sacks Baltimore Ravens quarterback Trent Dilfer (8) during Super Bowl XXXV on Jan. 28, 2001 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the New York Giants 34–7. (Allen Kee via AP)
Baltimore Ravens and New York Giants players pile up during a play at Super Bowl XXXV on Jan. 28, 2001 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The Ravens defeated the Giants 34–7. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan (92) sacks Baltimore Ravens quarterback Trent Dilfer (8) during Super Bowl XXXV on Jan. 28, 2001 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the New York Giants 34â€"7. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) runs upfield during an NFL Super Bowl XXXV game against the Baltimore Ravens at Raymond James Stadium on Jan. 28, 2001, in Tampa, Fla. The Ravens defeated the Giants 34-7. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Ron Dixon (86) returns a kickoff during an NFL Super Bowl XXXV game against the Baltimore Ravens in Tampa at Raymond James Stadium on Jan. 28, 2001. The Ravens defeated the Giants 34-7. (Allen Kee via AP)
Baltimore Ravens running back Jamal Lewis (31) is tackled by New York Giants Shaun Williams (36) during Super Bowl XXXV on Jan. 28, 2001, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The Ravens defeated the Giants 34–7. (Allen Kee via AP)
Baltimore Ravens running back Jamal Lewis (31) is tackled by New York Giants safety Sam Garnes (20) and cornerback Jason Sehorn (31) during Super Bowl XXXV on Jan. 28, 2001 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The Ravens defeated the Giants 34–7. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan (92) upends Baltimore Ravens quarterback Trent Dilfer (8) in Super Bowl XXXV in Tampa. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Giants 34 - 7. January 28, 2001. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber (21) runs upfield during an NFL Super Bowl XXXV game against the Baltimore Ravens in Tampa at Raymond James Stadium on Jan. 28, 2001. The Ravens defeated the Giants 34-7. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Kerry Collins (5) hook slides on a run upfield during an NFL Super Bowl XXXV game against the Baltimore Ravens in Tampa at Raymond James Stadium on Jan. 28, 2001. The Ravens defeated the Giants 34-7. (Allen Kee via AP)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Trent Dilfer (8) is tackled by New York Giants linebacker Mike Barrow (58) during Super Bowl XXXV on Jan. 28, 2001 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the New York Giants 34–7. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan (92) is seen in action during Super Bowl XXXV on Jan. 28, 2001 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the New York Giants 34–7. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Kerry Collins (5) throws a pass over Baltimore Ravens defensive end Keith Washington (93) during an NFL Super Bowl XXXV game on Jan. 28, 2001. The Ravens defeated the Giants 34-7. (Allen Kee via AP)
Baltimore Ravens' Ben Coates (81) is tackled to the ground during Super Bowl XXXV on Jan. 28, 2001, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the New York Giants 34–7. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan (92) gets ready to sack Baltimore Ravens quarterback Trent Dilfer (8) during Super Bowl XXXV on Jan. 28, 2001 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the New York Giants 34–7. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Kerry Collins (5) runs upfield during an NFL Super Bowl XXXV game against the Baltimore Ravens in Tampa at Raymond James Stadium on Jan. 28, 2001. The Ravens defeated the Giants 34-7. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Ron Dixon (86) returns a kickoff during an NFL Super Bowl XXXV game against the Baltimore Ravens in Tampa at Raymond James Stadium on Jan. 28, 2001. The Ravens defeated the Giants 34-7. (Allen Kee via AP)
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Brandon Stokley (80) is tackled by New York Giants cornerback Jason Sehorn (31) during Super Bowl XXXV on Jan. 28, 2001 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the New York Giants 34–7. (Allen Kee via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Kerry Collins (5) looks to pass as he is pressured by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jamie Sharper (55) during the first quarter of Super Bowl XXXV Sunday, Jan. 28, 2001, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Laura Rauch)
New York Giants cornerback Will Peterson, top, breaks up a pass play to Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Clarence Moore, bottom, during the second quarter Sunday, Dec. 12, 2004 in Baltimore.(AP Photo/Chris Gardner)
Quarterback Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants throws a pass while pressured by defensive tackle Haloti Ngata #92 of the Baltimore Ravens at Giants Stadium on November 16, 2008 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Ravens 30-10. AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Cornerback Aaron Ross #31 of the New York Giants returns an intercepted pass (his second of the day) for a touchdown during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Giants Stadium on November 16, 2008 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Ravens 30-10. AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Cornerback Aaron Ross #31 of the New York Giants tackles wide receiver Derrick Mason #85 of the Baltimore Ravens after a pass completion at Giants Stadium on November 16, 2008 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Ravens 30-10. AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
The Baltimore Ravens offensive line gets set for the snap during the game against the New York Giants at Giants Stadium on November 16, 2008 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Ravens 30-10. AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Running back Derrick Ward #34 of the New York Giants runs for a first down after catching a pass during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Giants Stadium on November 16, 2008 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Ravens 30-10. AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Fullback Le'Ron McClain #33 of the Baltimore Ravens gets gang tackled by defensive end Justin Tuck #91 and linebacker Antonio Pierce #58 of the New York Giants at Giants Stadium on November 16, 2008 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Ravens 30-10. AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Wide receiver Plaxico Burress #17 of the New York Giants runs for a first down after catching a pass during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Giants Stadium on November 16, 2008 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Ravens 30-10. AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Wide receiver Plaxico Burress #17 of the New York Giants runs for a first down after catching a pass during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Giants Stadium on November 16, 2008 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Ravens 30-10. AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) directs his team from the line of scrimmage against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
New York Giants cornerback Sam Madison (29) tackles Baltimore Ravens tight end Todd Heap during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants beat the Ravens 30-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward (34) carries the ball against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress, left, and Baltimore Ravens cornerback Samari Rolle, right, go after the ball during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward (34) carries the ball while being chased by Baltimore Ravens safety Jim Leonhard (36) and safety Ed Reed, right, during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in East Rutherford, N.J. To the right is Giants tight end Michael Matthews (88). (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
New York Giants cornerback Sam Madison (29) tackles Baltimore Ravens tight end Todd Heap during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants beat the Ravens 30-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) is hit by New York Giants safety Michael Johnson (20) and defensive end Renaldo Wynn (99) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress (17) carries the ball while being pressured by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Samari Rolle (22) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward (34) eludes Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in East Rutherford, N.J. In the background for the Giants are players Kevin Boss (89) and quarterback Eli Manning (10). (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) carries the ball while being chased by Baltimore Ravens safety Jim Leonhard, left, during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward (39) carries the ball against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward (34) carries the ball against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
New York Giants linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka, left, tackles Baltimore Ravens running back Willis McGahee during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
Baltimore Ravens cornerback Samari Rolle (22) chases New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) on a 77-yard run that led to a Giants field goal in the fourth quarter in their NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008. The Giants won 30-10. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) releases a pass while being pressured by New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
Baltimore Ravens linebackers Jarret Johnson (95) and Terrell Suggs (55) chase after New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) on a first-quarter 36-yard run during the Giants' 30-10 victory over the Ravens in their NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants cornerback Aaron Ross (31) returns an interception for a touchdown while the Giants' Corey Webster (23) blocks the intended receiver, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason (85), during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 30-10. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) evades Baltimore Ravens nose tackle Haloti Ngata (92) on a first-quarter 36-yard run during the Giants' 30-10 victory over the Ravens in their NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice attempts to cut between New York Giants linebacker Chase Blackburn, left, and defensive tackle Barry Cofield, right, during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants beat the Ravens 30-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants cornerback Sam Madison (29) tackles Baltimore Ravens tight end Todd Heap during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants beat the Ravens 30-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka, left, sacks Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants beat the Ravens 30-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) attempts to pass as he is pressured by New York Giants safety Michael Johnson during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants defeated the Ravens 30-10. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress (17) is tackled by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis (52) during the second quarter of their NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants cornerback Aaron Ross, right, intercepts a pass intended for Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason, left, during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)
New York Giants cornerback Aaron Ross, left, runs back an interception intended for Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass during the first quarter of their NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back Derrick Ward (34) drags Baltimore Ravens safety Jim Leonhard (36) as he runs for extra yards in the second quarter of an NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
New York Giants running back David Wilson, right, scores a touchdown in front of Baltimore Ravens strong safety James Ihedigbo in the first half of an NFL football game in Baltimore, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) shakes hands with Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) following a week 16 football game against the Baltimore Ravens on December 22, 2012 in Baltimore, Maryland (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants defensive lineman Linval Joseph (97) and Osi Umenyiora (72) wrap up Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice (27) during a week 16 football game against the Baltimore Ravens on December 22, 2012 in Baltimore, Maryland (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the New York Giants play a week 16 football game against the Baltimore Ravens on December 22, 2012 in Baltimore, Maryland (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, left, looks for a receiver as he is pressured by New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora in the first half of an NFL football game in Baltimore, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
New York Giants cornerback Corey Webster (23) nearly intercepts a pass intended for Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) during a week 16 football game against on December 22, 2012 in Baltimore, Maryland (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
Baltimore Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta, center, makes a catch between New York Giants strong safety Stevie Brown, left, and cornerback Corey Webster in the second half of an NFL football game in Baltimore, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Members of the New York Giants, left, line up for a play against the Baltimore Ravens in the first half of an NFL football game in Baltimore, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) rushes the ball during an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) makes a catch in front of Baltimore Ravens cornerback Cary Williams (29) during a week 16 football game against the Baltimore Ravens on December 22, 2012 in Baltimore, Maryland (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) lines up for a play in the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle, top, leaps for a catch over Baltimore Ravens cornerback Cary Williams in the first half of an NFL football game in Baltimore, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) is tackled by Baltimore Ravens' Kyle Arrington (24) near the goal line during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Baltimore Ravens strong safety Eric Weddle (32) tackles New York Giants' Will Tye (45) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. Manning ended the drive with his 300th career touchdown on a pass to Roger Lewis. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants' Rashad Jennings (23) is tackled by Baltimore Ravens' Timmy Jernigan (99), Zach Orr (54) and Kamalei Correa (51) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants outside linebacker Mark Herzlich (94) and Jonathan Casillas (52) stop Baltimore Ravens' Terrance West (28) on fourth down near the goal line during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
In this Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, photo, New York Giants outside linebacker Jonathan Casillas (52) tackles Baltimore Ravens' Mike Wallace (17) during the first half of an NFL football game in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants will be without pass rusher Jason Pierre-Paul, who could miss the rest of the season following surgery for a sports hernia. But the Dallas Cowboys don't expect the approach to change. New York will try to force throws underneath while putting pressure on Cowboys rookie quarterback Dak Prescott. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Baltimore Ravens cornerback Tavon Young (36) tackles New York Giants' Sterling Shepard (87) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants linebacker Keenan Robinson (57) tackles Baltimore Ravens' Terrance West (28) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) catches a pass over a Baltimore Ravens defender during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass over Baltimore Ravens' Zach Orr (54) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants outside linebacker Jonathan Casillas (52) tackles Baltimore Ravens' Mike Wallace (17) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) breaks a tackle by Baltimore Ravens' Tavon Young (36) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Albert McClellan (50) and Kyle Arrington (24) tackle New York Giants' Rashad Jennings (23) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Baltimore Ravens cornerback Tavon Young (36) tackles New York Giants' Sterling Shepard (87) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants' Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (41) tackles Baltimore Ravens' Breshad Perriman (18) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
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The Ravens' offense is a bigger challenge than their defense.
John Schmeelk: Fact- The Ravens' defense is very aggressive and features a heavy blitz package, but they were also missing several of their best players due to injury last week. Defensive lineman Calais Campbell and cornerbacks Marcus Peters and Jimmy Smith missed their game against the Jaguars in Week 15. They are also lacking a star edge rusher who can consistently win a 1-on-1. While the Ravens do not have an explosive passing attack, they have the best and more diverse rushing attack in football. They lead the NFL in runs of 20+ yards and Lamar Jackson can break a long run on any play if the defense isn't gap-sound.
Lance Medow: Fact- The Ravens showcase the best rushing attack in the NFL and Lamar Jackson accounts for just one-third of that facet. Gus Edwards and rookie J.K. Dobbins complement Jackson as they each have over 560 rushing yards and are averaging five yards per carry. In any given game, one of those three players can do the heavy lifting, which is why you have to anticipate and be prepared for all of them. In addition, Baltimore is averaging 29 points per game (fifth in the NFL), ranks fifth in third-down efficiency (46%) and 12th in red zone offense (64%). Although their passing game is 31st in the league (174 yards), you can't overlook what tight end Mark Andrews and wide receivers Marquise Brown and Dez Bryant bring to the table. The Ravens' defense has a plethora of playmakers at all levels, highlighted by an opportunistic secondary, but given the uniqueness of Greg Roman's offense and the versatile runners out of the backfield, the offense is a bigger headache.
The Giants will be aggressive in their play-calling again in Baltimore.
John Schmeelk: Fact and Fiction- Huh? Yes, because there are two different ways to answer this question. The Giants will have to be aggressive in their decision-making because they are going to have to surpass 20 points if they want to win this game. The Ravens have one of the best third-down offenses in the league, and they will figure out a way to score some points. The Ravens play man-to-man and blitz a lot, but they are not a team that the Giants will be able to take advantage of with big plays. Only two teams have allowed fewer than Baltimore's 36 plays of 20+ yards. The Giants are going to have to be aggressive in situations, but their best bet in terms of play-calling will be to win with their run attack and short-passing game.
Lance Medow: Fact- Following last Sunday's loss to the Browns, Joe Judge made it very clear: "Field goals weren't going to win this game" and I don't see why that philosophy would change against Baltimore. The Ravens are averaging 29 points per game and have scored 40 or more in each of their last two contests. They also went 10-for-10 in the red zone over those two games. If you want to keep up with the Ravens, you have to find the end zone and reach it consistently. So, the Giants will have to stay aggressive on both sides of the ball.
Evan Engram is the Giants' X-factor on Sunday.
John Schmeelk: Fiction- The X-Factor in this game is going to be the Giants' offensive line. The Giants are going to have to run the ball and protect their quarterback against a defense that blitzes a league-high 46% of the time. If the offensive line can't handle a very aggressive, physical, and downhill front, they will not be able to win. On defense, Blake Martinez's ability to handle the misdirection of the Ravens' run game will be critical in slowing down Baltimore's offense.
Lance Medow: Fiction- The X-factor in this game has to come on defense. The Giants are averaging just over 17 points per game and have scored less than 20 points in each of the last four. Could an offensive explosion occur this week? Given the Jets beat the Rams and the Bengals knocked off the Steelers in Week 15, I wouldn't dismiss anything but I also wouldn't expect it. The Giants were very effective in slowing down the Browns' run game and they're certainly capable of doing the same thing against Baltimore - which is why the secondary is the X-factor. Last Sunday, Baker Mayfield was 27-of-32 for 297 yards and two touchdowns. If New York forces Lamar Jackson to primarily be a passer, will the secondary answer the call? The defensive backs will be crucial in determining how the Giants' defense fares against the Ravens.
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