The Jacksonville Jaguars have hit another rough patch in their 2023 season. After two consecutive losses, Jacksonville is in serious need of a bounce-back win.
But their Week 15 opponent is one of the toughest teams in the league. The Baltimore Ravens are 10-3 and have won their last three games.
Baltimore has one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, a ferocious running game, and a top-tier defense. If the Jaguars want to get back on track, they’ll have to pull off an upset on Sunday Night Football.
Here are five Ravens players who could cause trouble for the Jaguars in Week 15:
QB Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson is undeniably one of the best quarterbacks in the league. He’s back in the MVP conversation during one of his best seasons since he was drafted in 2018.
Jackson’s elite speed and ability as a passer make him one of the most dangerous players in the league and Jacksonville could have trouble slowing him down.
Jaguars linebacker Foye Oluokun is a strong tackler and quick player, so he could be the key in preventing Jackson from burning Jacksonville with his legs. And if the secondary manages a weaker Baltimore pass-catching group, Jackson may not have an easy time moving the football.
WR Zay Flowers
While the Baltimore receiving corps isn’t a very strong unit, rookie receiver Zay Flowers has the ability to torch Jacksonville at any given moment. Flowers, like Jackson, has track speed and big-play potential.
The receiver out of Boston College has 64 catches for 673 yards and three touchdowns so far this season.
Flowers will have a tough matchup with the Jaguars’ secondary, but he has the physical tools to get open, regardless. With cornerbacks Tyson Campbell, who may not play Sunday, and Darious Williams often playing on the outside, Flowers’ usage in the slot could hurt Jacksonville.
DL Justin Madubuike
Defensive lineman Justin Madubuike has been one of the pleasant surprises on Baltimore’s defense. The fourth-year player has at least 0.5 sacks in 10 straight games and is currently sitting at 11 on the season.
The Jaguars’ offensive line has struggled this year, and if Trevor Lawrence is still dealing with his ankle sprain, Madubuike could have success bringing Lawrence down behind the line of scrimmage.
LB Roquan Smith
When the Ravens traded for linebacker Roquan Smith last season, they added one of the league’s top coverage backers.
He has tallied 136 total tackles this year, including 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. If he and running mate Patrick Queen are playing as well as usual, the middle of the field will be nearly off limits for the Jaguars.
With receiver Christian Kirk out for the contest, Jacksonville’s primary option out of the slot will likely be rookie Parker Washington. Jacksonville will also rely on running back Travis Etienne Jr. to find production between the hashes.
CB Marlon Humphrey
Without Kirk, the Jaguars will need to find its offense elsewhere. Last week, Evan Engram filled the gap left by Kirk, but Smith and Queen may limit the tight end’s production.
Receivers Calvin Ridley and Zay Jones may become focal points of the Jacksonville offense, but cornerback Marlon Humphrey has the ability to erase his side of the field.
Humphrey is a terrific cornerback, and he will likely see plenty of Ridley Sunday night. If Ridley wins the battle, Jacksonville may be able to put up some points. But if Humphrey wins that battle, it could be another frustrating night for the Jaguars.
