Week 8: Baltimore Ravens vs. Carolina Panthers Preview

Keith Allison via Flickr

NFL

The Panthers Look To Remain Undefeated At Home As The Ravens Come To Town

Week 8 of the NFL season brings forth a huge game for two teams that are deep in the playoff hunt. The Baltimore Ravens (4-3) head to Bank of America Stadium to take on the Carolina Panthers (4-2). The Carolina Panthers are slated as 2-point underdogs for the matchup.

The Value Of An Extra Point

Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens had their toughest opponent of the season as the New Orleans Saints came to town for Week 7. While the Saints escaped with the 24-23 victory, Baltimore showed great potential in what was a tough contest. Baltimore had a ten-point lead against a Super Bowl contender entering the fourth quarter.

In addition, electrifying rookie Lamar Jackson scored his first career NFL touchdown on Sunday. A talent like Jackson will be a huge red zone weapon for the Ravens as the AFC North race heats up. Likewise wide receiver John Brown continues to prove his worth to the newly improved Ravens offense, accounting for 134 yards and a touchdown in Week 7.

While Justin Tucker inevitably missed the game-tying kick in Week 7, the NFL’s most accurate kicker isn’t down on himself. In regards to the missed kick, Tucker looks to “embrace it and suppress it” as he prepares for Carolina. The missed kick knocks the Ravens down to third place in the AFC North.

Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers had a tough task in Week 7 as they faced the defending Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles. The Panthers were down 17-0 heading into the fourth quarter. Carolina would then proceed to deliver its greatest comeback, scoring 21 unanswered in the final quarter to win the game.

The three-quarter drought is definitely something that can’t happen if Carolina wants to be a top team in the NFL. However, Carolina showed grit by pulling out a much-needed victory. Quarterback Cam Newton looked stellar in the Week 7 victory.

Granted the team did have some special teams struggles as well. Kicker Graham Gano missed an extra point of his own on Sunday. Luckily, Carolina would convert on a two-point conversion later in the game to make the miss negligible. The 21-17 victory keeps the Panthers one game behind the Saints in the NFC South.

Keys To The Game

Baltimore Ravens

After a tough Week 7 loss, Baltimore is approaching must-win mode to hang on in the AFC North. Baltimore gave up 17 fourth-quarter points against the Saints. If Baltimore gets ahead early in the game, making Panthers’ quarterback Cam Newton uncomfortable in the pocket should be a priority.

Furthermore, the Ravens should also look to make Newton timid to run the football. Hitting Cam Newton early and often should prevent huge scampers in crunch-time. Panthers’ running back Christian McCaffrey could also impact the game hugely as a pass catcher. Ravens’ defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale will need a top-notch scheme to prevent McCaffrey from having a big game.

Offensively, Baltimore has made it known that they aren’t interested in running the ball. However, Baltimore will need to spread the ball around more efficiently in Week 8. First-round pick tight end Hayden Hurst had zero catches against the Saints. Baltimore should look to get the dynamic rookie involved in the passing game as they attempt to knock off Carolina at home.

Carolina Panthers

Carolina’s historic comeback saved them from a 3-3 start. However, the schedule doesn’t get any easier for the Panthers. The top scoring defense is coming for blood, meaning that Carolina will have to be as efficient as ever in Week 8.

Running back Christian McCaffrey only managed to squeeze out 29 yards in 7 carries against Philadelphia. Carolina can’t afford to get down early in the ball game and become dependent on the pass. Having McCaffrey generate in the running game also prevents quarterback Cam Newton from taking more damage than he has to.

Defensively, Carolina must neutralize Ravens’ wide receiver, John Brown. Brown is the most explosive of the Ravens free agent trio. If Brown is a non-factor in the game, the Ravens will likely depend on wide receiver Michael Crabtree, a pass catcher who has had longstanding drop issues. Forcing Baltimore to run the football will play right into the hands of Panthers’ linebacker Luke Kuechly, and ultimately secure Carolina yet another home victory.

Fantasy Implications

Baltimore Ravens’ wide receiver John Brown is on pace for 1,300 receiving yards this season, a feat that has reflected in fantasy points galore. Brown is a strong flex play in Week 8. The Baltimore Ravens D/ST, as well as kicker Justin Tucker, has too much upside to sit approaching this Week 8 matchup. Quarterback Joe Flacco is a borderline QB2 for Week 8.

Carolina Panthers’ quarterback Cam Newton has enough upside where he is a “low-ceiling” QB1 for Week 8. Panthers’ running back Christian McCaffrey is a strong RB2 in all PPR leagues. Panthers’ wide receiver Torrey Smith is a great “boom-or-bust” play for the flex as he returns to face his former team.

Photo Credit

Featured Image courtesy of Keith Allison

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