Editor’s Note: AJ Kaufman’s weekly MNF coverage on MSF is sponsored by Sadler’s Smokehouse, a producer of premium pit smoked meats that are best described by Sadler’s slogan: Legendary since 1948.
Sadler’s premium meats are perfect for tailgating on Saturday, for grilling out at home on Sunday, or for when you are hosting a group of friends, or even just the family, on Monday night.
With a variety of delicious choices (beef, pork, ribs, turkey, brisket, and more) and availability at grocery stores throughout the U.S., Sadler’s meats are the tasty, convenient choice when you want to watch the big game and eat well while you’re doing it.
Check out Sadler’s Monday Night Football Recipe of the Week: Sadler’s Smokehouse Shaved Pork Quesadillas
Visit the Sadler’s Smokehouse website: Sadler’s Smokehouse
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Monday Night Football Preview
Baltimore Ravens (6-5) at Green Bay Packers (7-4)
- Ravens-Packers Date: Monday, December 7
- Ravens-Packers Kickoff Time: 8:30
- Ravens-Packers TV Network: NBC
- Ravens-Packers Announcers: Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, and Jon Gruden
- Ravens-Packers Point Spread: Packers -3
- Ravens-Packers Over-Under: 43.5
- Ravens-Packers Spread Pick by Jerod: Tricky spread here. My first instinct is to say Green Bay — and I do think they will win — but the more I think about it, the more I think Baltimore will keep this one close. And why not, they keep every game close. The Ravens will be able to pressure Aaron Rodgers, but I do think that he’ll be able to find some big plays against the Ravens’ secondary. Ray Rice will keep the Ravens in it, but Mason Crosby at home gets the edge over Billy Cundiff on the road in the battle of the kickers. So Green Bay wins the game, but the Ravens make it an exciting one. Ravens-Packers free pick: Ravens +3
MNF: Ravens-Packers Analysis
One can only marvel at Charles Woodson’s career journey.
After seven injury plagued seasons in Oakland, Woodson rightfully earned the reputation of a “bust.” The Packers were even widely criticized for offering him a whopping seven-year, $52 million dollar contract before the 2006 season, and the consensus throughout the league was that Woodson wouldn’t even make it through half of that contract.
It’s therefore amazing what a difference a mere four years can make.
As a 33 year-old cornerback in the NFL, Woodson is supposed to be “past his prime”; apparently no one told him. In his four seasons with the Packers, he has picked off 26 passes, forced eight fumbles, and even scored six touchdowns. For perspective on how ridiculous that sort of production is, consider the career stats of Hall of Fame Corner Back, Darrell Green. In his 20 year career, Green picked off 54 passes, returned six for touchdowns, and forced five fumbles. Of course, Green was not as much as a “ball-hawk” as Woodson, but this analogy still is telling.
And if Woodson’s past three years weren’t enough, the newly-minted November Player of the Month is putting together another dream season as he is on pace for double digit interceptions and is in contention for defensive player of the year. With Joe Flacco’s recent struggles, the 1998 Heisman Winner could pose all sorts of problems for the Ravens’ passing game come Monday night.
Brandon Jackson has seemingly finally turned the proverbial corner. The former 2nd round pick was drafted to be the eventual starter of the Packers, but has seen his stock plummet considerably over the past couple of seasons.
The low point of his season (and his career) was when Ahman Green, the runner he was drafted to replace three years ago, was signed out of free agency to take Jackson’s spot as the 3rd down back. When Ahman Green was injured two games ago, Jackson undoubtedly sensed the urgency of what may have been his last chance to win back the trust of the Packers.
Though his stats evidently don’t show it, Jackson has played some of the best football of his career over the past couple of games, and the coaches have taken notice.
Personally, I’ve never been a huge fan of Ryan Grant , as I think he lacks the explosive burst of a top-tier NFL running back, but you can’t really argue with his rock-solid production. Consequenty, if Jackson can continue to develop into the player the Packers thought they were drafting, the Packers could have one of the top running games for years to come.
Joe Flacco has seemingly regressed over his past four games with only one touchdown against three interceptions in that time. After looking very confident in the beginning of the season, he has fallen back into some bad habits. Between his lack of confidence, nagging ankle injury, and a good Packer secondary, I wouldn’t expect this to be the week that Flacco turns it around.
Anyone who watched the Ravens-Steelers game this past Sunday night realized Baltimore running back Ray Rice is better than advertised…and that’s just on the ground. He also happens to lead all NFL running backs with 61 catches , and his production in the passing game has been the catalyst for the offensive explosion in Baltimore this year.
After almost retiring before the season, Derrick Mason is putting together a pro-bowl caliber season. The veteran receiver might have some trouble this week however as he will be often matched up with Charles Woodson. and will certainly see consistent double coverage.
MNF: Ravens-Packers Prediction
Baltimore is the best 6-5 team that I ever remember seeing. They have only lost to playoff teams (Pats, Colts, Bengals, Vikings), and of those losses, at least three can be pinned on a kicker that is no longer on the team. I think they take this game and move into the thick of the wild card hunt in the AFC.
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