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Everything You Need to Know: Ravens vs. Falcons

120218_GamePreview

Basics

Kickoff: 1 p.m., Mercedes-Benz Stadium

TV: Channel 13 (Baltimore) CBS crew (Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, Tracy Wolfson)

Radio: WBAL (1090 AM) and 98Rock (97.9 FM)

Jersey Color: White

Stakes

The Ravens (6-5) could win three straight for the first time this season. They would be the No. 6 seed in the AFC if the playoffs began today, but the Ravens need to keep winning to make the postseason.

History

Baltimore holds a 3-2 lead in the all-time series, but the Ravens are 0-2 in Atlanta. The Ravens last faced the Falcons in 2014 and cruised to a 29-7 victory in Baltimore. Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco threw for 258 yards and two touchdowns and outside linebacker Terrell Suggs made a tackle in the end zone for a safety. In the Ravens' last trip to Atlanta in 2010, Baltimore erased a 20-7 fourth-quarter deficit, but lost in the final minute on a 33-yard Roddy White touchdown.

Biggest Storylines

Will Lamar Jackson make his first road start and handle it with continued poise?

Jackson has been electrifying and unflappable, handling highs and lows with coolness and winning his first two starts. Flacco practiced on a limited basis Thursday and Friday, fueling more speculation about the Ravens' quarterback plans for Sunday and beyond. Jackson's probable start, which would be his first on the road, will offer more insight into his readiness to lead the Ravens the rest of the way.

How will the Ravens start December, a month that has given them recent troubles?

The Ravens have a 1-6 record on the road over the past three seasons in December and January. That has led to them missing the playoffs the past three seasons. A win Sunday would be a positive sign that this Ravens team is built to finish strong.

Will the Ravens' running game keep churning?

The Ravens have produced an NFL-high 509 rushing yards over the past two weeks with running back Gus Edwards and Jackson leading the way. Controlling time of possession Sunday could be an effective way to keep the Falcons' potent offense in check.

Key Matchups

Jackson vs. Falcons linebackers

The return of Atlanta Pro Bowl inside linebacker Deion Jones makes this matchup more intriguing. Jackson's speed has been difficult for opponents to deal with, but the Falcons may use Jones to spy Jackson.

Julio Jones vs. Ravens secondary

All of Atlanta's receivers are good, but Jones is special. If the Ravens allow Jones to make big plays, he could be the next receiver to ruin their day.

Ryan vs. Ravens defense

Ryan has thrown for at least 300 yards in five of the last six games, and he has tossed just five interceptions all season. The Falcons are not having the year they expected, but their quarterback is.

Ravens' last trip to Atlanta in 2010, Baltimore erased a 20-7 fourth-quarter deficit, but lost in the final minute on a 33-yard Roddy White touchdown.

Biggest Storylines

Will Lamar Jackson make his first road start and handle it with continued poise?

Jackson has been electrifying and unflappable, handling highs and lows with coolness and winning his first two starts. Flacco practiced on a limited basis Thursday and Friday, fueling more speculation about the Ravens' quarterback plans for Sunday and beyond. Jackson's probable start, which would be his first on the road, will offer more insight into his readiness to lead the Ravens the rest of the way.

How will the Ravens start December, a month that has given them recent troubles?

The Ravens have a 1-6 record on the road over the past three seasons in December and January. That has led to them missing the playoffs the past three seasons. A win Sunday would be a positive sign that this Ravens team is built to finish strong.

Will the Ravens' running game keep churning?

The Ravens have produced an NFL-high 509 rushing yards over the past two weeks with running back Gus Edwards and Jackson leading the way. Controlling time of possession Sunday could be an effective way to keep the Falcons' potent offense in check.

Key Matchups

Jackson vs. Falcons linebackers

The return of AtlantaPro Bowl inside linebacker Deion Jones makes this matchup more intriguing. Jackson's speed has been difficult for opponents to deal with, but the Falcons may use Jones to spy Jackson.

Julio Jones vs. Ravens secondary

All of Atlanta's receivers are good, but Jones is special. If the Ravens allow Jones to make big plays, he could be the next receiver to ruin their day.

Ryan vs. Ravens defense

Ryan has thrown for at least 300 yards in five of the last six games, and he has tossed just five interceptions all season. The Falcons are not having the year they expected, but their quarterback is.

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