Eagles vs. Ravens NFL Week 13 Picks: Can Baltimore Stop Barkley?
- Eduardo Solano
- November 26, 2024
NFL Pick: Eagles ML (+135) at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
The Philadelphia Eagles go for their eighth straight win when they visit the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. Let’s analyze the current NFL odds available at the top-rated sportsbooks and go over all you need to know about this game.
Don’t forget to join BMR Forum’s Free $20K NFL 2024 Pick’em Pool contest for a shot at huge prizes throughout the regular season.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens
Sunday, December 01, 2024 – 04:25 PM ET at M&T Bank Stadium
Barkley Shines in Los Angeles
Saquon Barkley delivered a historic performance with touchdown runs of 70 and 72 yards in the second half, amassing an Eagles-record 255 rushing yards in Philadelphia’s seventh straight win, a 37-20 triumph over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.
Barkley’s remarkable day included the ninth-highest single-game rushing total in NFL history, heavily bolstered by his two long scoring runs. He also recorded 302 total yards, making him the 12th player in league history to surpass the 300-yard mark and the first to do so in an Eagles uniform.
Additionally, Barkley became the first NFL player to log two 70-yard touchdown runs in a single game since Maurice Jones-Drew in 2009.
In a sensational first season with Philadelphia, Barkley leads the NFL with a career-high 1,392 rushing yards and a league-best seven 100-yard games. His average of 9.8 yards per carry on Sunday shattered Eagles franchise records, surpassing LeSean McCoy’s 217-yard rushing effort in 2013 and Duce Staley’s 296 total yards in 2000.
Barkley’s performance also set a new benchmark for rushing yards against the Rams, eclipsing DeMarco Murray’s 253 yards in 2011.
A.J. Brown added six catches for 109 yards and a touchdown, while Jalen Hurts completed 15 of 22 passes for 179 yards as the Eagles broke away with a dominant 24-point second half. Despite a 13-7 halftime lead, Philadelphia’s offense ignited in the third quarter, led by Barkley’s explosive 70-yard run on the first drive of the half.
Jackson and Henry Help Ravens Beat Chargers
The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 30-23 on Monday, fueled by Lamar Jackson’s two touchdown passes and a rushing score. Derrick Henry added 140 yards on 24 carries, helping Baltimore secure its third win in four games.
Justice Hill’s 51-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter sealed the victory for the Ravens, who piled up 212 rushing yards and outgained the Chargers 389 to 285. Though Henry failed to score for the first time this season, he played a key role, particularly during a 44-yard burst on Baltimore’s third drive after a slow start.
The Ravens erased an early 10-0 deficit by scoring on five straight possessions and converting three pivotal fourth downs, including a bold direct snap to Mark Andrews for a two-yard gain late in the second quarter. Jackson, the NFL leader in total yards, completed 16 of 22 passes for 177 yards and added 17 rushing yards.
Baltimore’s defense also stepped up despite missing star linebacker Roquan Smith (hamstring), who leads the team with 110 tackles.
Key Matchups
A showdown between two of the NFL’s hottest teams, the Eagles and Ravens, promises to be a clash of contrasting strengths.
Philadelphia boasts an explosive offense led by a record-breaking run game, while Baltimore’s balanced attack and opportunistic defense have been key to their success. Both teams are riding waves of momentum, making this matchup a potential preview of playoff intensity.
Saquon Barkley vs. Ravens’ Run Defense
Barkley is coming off a historic performance, with two 70+ yard touchdowns and a staggering 9.8 yards per carry against the Rams. Baltimore’s defense has been steady against the run, but the absence of leading tackler Smith could expose vulnerabilities.
Barkley’s ability to break through initial contact and create explosive plays will test Baltimore’s discipline and tackling fundamentals. The Ravens must prioritize gap control and limit Barkley’s opportunities to get into open space.
Lamar Jackson vs. Eagles’ Front Seven
Jackson’s dual-threat ability remains the centerpiece of Baltimore’s offense. While he didn’t rack up huge rushing numbers against the Chargers, his ability to extend plays and find targets downfield will challenge the Eagles’ defense.
Philadelphia’s front seven will need to generate pressure while maintaining containment to prevent Jackson from exploiting broken plays. A disciplined pass rush will be critical in keeping Jackson from taking over the game.
A.J. Brown vs. Ravens’ Secondary
Brown’s consistency as a deep threat and reliable target for Hurts gives the Eagles’ passing game an edge. Coming off a 109-yard outing last week, Brown’s ability to win 1-on-1 matchups could force the Ravens’ defense to allocate extra resources to cover him, potentially opening lanes for Barkley.
The Ravens’ secondary, which has held its own this season, must find ways to disrupt Brown’s routes and limit his yards after the catch.
Ravens’ Rushing Attack vs. Eagles’ Defensive Line
Baltimore’s run game, led by Henry and Hill, will look to wear down Philadelphia’s defensive front. Henry’s physical running style complements the speed and elusiveness of Hill, making for a balanced attack.
Philadelphia’s defense must focus on clogging interior lanes to neutralize Henry’s power while containing Hill’s ability to bounce runs to the outside.
Turnovers and Big Plays
Both teams thrive on momentum-shifting plays. The Eagles’ explosive offense, driven by Barkley’s home-run ability, can flip the script on any game, while the Ravens’ opportunistic defense and Jackson’s knack for improvisation can turn mistakes into points. Whichever team capitalizes on these moments will likely gain the upper hand in this matchup.
NFL Pick
This game will be a battle of attrition, with both teams leaning on their star playmakers to set the tone. The Eagles’ offense has the firepower to strike quickly, but the Ravens’ balanced approach and ability to grind out long drives will keep them in the game.
Expect the Eagles to start fast, with Barkley breaking off another long run early. However, Baltimore’s defense will make key adjustments, and Jackson’s ability to extend plays will keep Philadelphia on its heels. The Ravens’ ground game will eat up the clock, limiting the Eagles’ offensive opportunities.
In the end, Barkley’s explosiveness and Brown’s reliability in the passing game will prove too much for Baltimore to handle, as the Eagles’ high-octane offense edges out a hard-fought victory.
NFL Pick: Eagles ML (+135) at BetOnline
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.