5 bold predictions for Packers against Ravens

3. Preston Smith will get a pair of sacks

Smith reminded Packers fans of what a difference-maker he can be on the edge with his two-sack performance last week. The good news for Green Bay is that he’s set to repeat that feat in Baltimore on Sunday.

Jackson isn’t an easy quarterback to take down, but it’s reasonable to assume that his ankle injury will limit his mobility. The Ravens will try to compensate by instituting more short passes than normal. That strategy will be thrown out the window when Baltimore trails the game in the first half.

A gimpy quarterback trying to buy enough time to throw the ball down the field will play right into Smith’s hands. He’ll find a way to get Jackson on the ground on at least two occasions. Rashan Gary is still the team’s best edge rusher, but Baltimore will double team him while leaving Smith to work against single blocking schemes.

Smith’s emergence as a real threat off the edge can drastically change the outlook of Green Bay’s defense down the stretch. If he can balance out Gary on the other side of the formation it really increases this defense’s playoff ceiling.