Whether he wants to admit it, Jackson’s dominance against NFC teams is really something, and the vast majority of pundits — 49 of the 55 we looked at — expect the trend to continue against Seattle.
“If I see the Ravens play an NFC team, I don’t even need to know who it is, I’ll just automatically pick Baltimore to win because they have Lamar,” CBS Sports’ John Breech wrote. “Since taking over the Ravens’ starting QB job in 2018, Jackson is 17-1 against NFC teams. That .944 winning percentage is the best by any QB against an opposing conference since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970. At first, I didn’t believe that stat, but it’s definitely true because I looked it up on the internet and the internet is never wrong for nothing.
“I’m not sure who should be in charge of setting it up, but all the coaches in the NFC definitely need to get together this offseason so they can brainstorm some ideas on how to stop Lamar.” In his 18 starts against NFC teams, Jackson has totaled 37 touchdowns and just seven interceptions. He’s actually turning into Super Lamar, which is pretty scary to think about considering he already looks super even when he’s not super.”
Here’s what the pundits are saying about Sunday’s matchup between the AFC North-leading Ravens (6-2) and the NFC West-leading Seahawks (5-2):
Seahawks QB Geno Smith will have a tough time against the Ravens defense.
Rear parts: “The Ravens have given up the fewest points per game this year and the third fewest passing yards, and Geno Smith hasn’t done enough to make me think he can be productive against a defense like that.”
The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec: “Gino Smith has turned the ball over six times in the last three weeks. He’s not going to operate with much margin for error on the road against a good Baltimore defense.”
**Jordan Mendoza of USA Today:** “Baltimore is playing some of the best football in the NFL right now, and while this looks like a trap game, the Ravens’ defense is making it difficult for Geno Smith to find a rhythm. Baltimore pulls away in the second half for their fourth straight win and third straight week scoring at least 30 points.”
The Ravens will face a good team.
Jana Hahn of The Baltimore Banner: “The Ravens might be really good at taking on their opponents, but they’ve managed to do that too by showing up in big games. They have beaten their toughest opponents yet and now have to go home. There’s a gauntlet of tough games to come, but since this is the first one, I expect them to show up. Lamar Jackson, the leader of the offense, and Roquan Smith, the leader of the defense, were very upset with their performance against Arizona. I guess they will be extra motivated.”
**Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk:** “I think it’s too much to ask for the Seahawks to go to Baltimore to face this Ravens team that is getting better every week that is ready to departments of the group at least in the division. if not the rest of the conference. And there’s no shame in losing this one if you’re Seattle. … the Seahawks are good, [but] not good enough to steal that win.”
The Seahawks find a way to win a close one.
**CJ Doon of The Baltimore Sun:** “This could look like a typical AFC North blowout with the way both defenses have been playing lately, but I’m giving Seattle a slight edge because of its offensive talent. Running backs Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet will test the Ravens’ interior, and receivers Tyler Lockett, DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba will take advantage of any weak spots in the secondary. It’s asking a lot for Geno Smith to surpass Lamar Jackson down the road, but the 33-year-old veteran will be up to the challenge and deliver some more late-season magic.”
Kyle Gunn of The Baltimore Banner: “It feels like instinct for the Ravens, who have played their best so far against their toughest opponents. But the matches are not exactly in favor of the home team. Aside from the ‘convincing’ win against the Lions, the Ravens have been consistent enough over the last four weeks that I’m confident they’ll be firing on all cylinders on Sunday.”
The Seahawks defense presents a strong challenge for the Ravens offense.
NFL Network’s David Carr: “The Ravens have tried to install this new passing game that is starting to play a little bit better; they still have running elements. But Seattle has some good secondary pieces, so I’m curious to see how this Baltimore Ravens RPO-style passing offense will stack up against a bona fide top-5 defense in Seattle. It’s going to be a great test for the Ravens.”