Baltimore Ravens at Green Bay Packers: Monday Night Football Preview and Predictions

The Baltimore Ravens take on the Green Bay Packers Monday night in what will be a crucial game for two wild card contenders from each conference. A win for Baltimore could move them in position to take the last wild card spot in the AFC; a loss would bring them back down to .500 and out of playoff position. Same goes for Green Bay who could keep their final spot in the NFC wild card race with a win. This game could be the turning point in each of their respective seasons.

Keys to the game:

Baltimore will look to ride the legs of star running back Ray Rice to back to back wins for the first time since week three. Rice has had at least 100 yards from scrimmage in eight straight games and will try to extend that streak against the league's fourth ranked run defense. Quarterback Joe Flacco will look for the running prowess of Ray Rice to open up the passing game, as he needs just one touchdown pass to tie his career high of 14 established in his rookie season last year. Flacco has completed 242 passes this year for 2,744 yards and a 65.4 percent completion rate.

Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers are looking for their fourth straight win after a strong offensive and defensive showing against the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving. The Packers will be facing a weakened Ravens' defense, as Pro Bowl linebacker Terrell Suggs will almost definitely be out again (sprained knee), while star safety Ed Reed is also listed as questionable (ankle and hip injuries). A key to this game will be Baltimore's ability to put pressure on Aaron Rodgers, who has been sacked 44 times this season, the most in the league.

Predictions and Picks:

Spread: Baltimore could be headed for a letdown after an emotional overtime win against the Pittsburgh Steelers last week. And after last week's Thursday game, Rodgers and the Green Bay offensive line will have had more time to rest and prepare for the Baltimore defense, who couldn't manage a sack last week against the mediocre Steelers offensive line. With time to throw, look for Rodgers to have an impressive performance, with receiver Donald Driver and running back Ryan Grant having big weeks as well. Although Ray Rice will likely extend his 100+ yards from scrimmage streak, it will not be enough to stop the hot Packers squad, who pull out the win at home in the snow.

Total: At Lambeau Field in December, the weather is always a key factor. And with a high of 30 degrees and a 60 percent chance of snow on Monday, it looks like this one won't be any different. The cold and snow make it exponentially more difficult to throw and catch, especially in a game pitting the number two ranked defense of the Green Bay Packers against the hard-hitting Ravens' defense led by former Super Bowl MVP Ray Lewis. Look for low scoring in this one as both teams battle against each other and the weather.

Final Score Prediction: Green Bay Packers 24 vs Baltimore Ravens 14

All stats courtesy of NFL.com.