First of all the Packers definately benefit by what is all but a 2nd bye week especially when you consider Baltimore travels to Lambeau after consecutive smash mouth games against the Colts and Steelers.
Injury wise it hurts us to lose kampman and Harris but on their side the Ravens will more than likely be without Suggs and possibly McClain which would be a huge blow because of what Baltimore will try to do to win this game.
Baltimore is going to try and run the ball. Period. They came in with a jumbo package on the 0line against the Steelers (I read a piece on this) and ran for over 130 yards against the then #1 run defense in the NFL. They did this in part because Flacco has been hurting (ankle) and just not playing real well.
Rodgers will need to be hot Monday and the 0line will need to give him protection enough times to get the ball over the top of the Baltimore DB's. They can be beat back there. This is not a team your going to put up 10 play drives on much. The big play will be a huge factor for us.
IF the Packers run D can turn the Ravens game plan on it's head and stop the run will be the challenge they have in front of them.
TIDBITS
The Ravens are 2-3 in the next game after defeating Pittsburgh. I'm not sure they have been faced with as much as this to get a win here.
The Ravens have averaged 13.75 points in the last four games. With the exception of Cleveland (16-0) these have been tough opponents but still that is 10 points less than they have averaged for the year.
The Ravens will try to win a battle the Packers have been very proficient at this year in winning the time of possession and keep Rodgers off the field as much as possible. It would be great help if the offense can claw out some points and make Flacco go to the air more than they want to.
I believe the key will be the Rodgers to Driver/Jennings combinations making enough big plays to put us over the top in this one.
"The train is leaving the station."