Dissecting Most Crucial Matchups in Indianapolis' Week 5 Contest with Baltimore

Within each game, many smaller games are played. These individual matchups are the battles that ultimately decide who wins the war. Identifying and game-planning these key faceoffs is something that all teams focus on during the week.

It doesn't mean we can't get in on the action.

The Indianapolis Colts will host the Baltimore Ravens this week in what could be a playoff preview.

Both teams are currently sitting at second place in their respective divisions. However, The Ravens currently hold a Wild Card spot in the AFC and the Colts are hot on the heels of the division-leading Houston Texans, having won their last two games by a combined score of 85-34.

The Colts will be looking to continue their hot streak, while the Ravens will try to hold their ground in a division that figures to be hotly contested throughout the season.

If Indianapolis is going to come up with its third consecutive victory, ending the Ravens' three-game winning spree, it will need to find a way to win the individual battles.

Vontae Davis and Greg Toler vs. Steve Smith Sr.

Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

This should be an excellent battle to watch unfold.

Davis and his opposite number Toler will likely split time covering the mouthy ex-Carolina Panthers wide receiver. So far this season, Smith has been Joe Flacco's only consistently productive target.

On pace to have arguably his best season as a pro, the 35-year-old Smith is unlikely to keep performing at his current level. After all, 35-year-old wide receivers who join new teams rarely set career highs in yardage.

Nevertheless, right now Smith is as feisty and fearless as ever. His 429 receiving yards ranks third in the league, despite being the newest member of the receiving corps. Incumbent No. 1 receiver Torrey Smith has been relegated to second fiddle since the former joined up with the Ravens.

Davis and Toler, along with spattered contributions from the rest of the Colts secondary, have combined to limit opposing No. 1 receivers to 45.75 yards per game thus far this season. Considering the 40 targets to these receivers, that's an almost unfathomable 4.6 yards per target. The two corners have also managed three interceptions between them.

Opposing No. 1 Receivers	Receptions	Receiving Yards	Touchdowns	Targets
Demaryius Thomas	4	48	0	11
Jeremy Maclin	4	45	1	11
Cecil Shorts III	5	35	1	10
Kendall Wright	5	55	0	8

Erik Walden vs. Rick Wagner

Darron Cummings/Associated Press

If the Ravens have a weakness on their offensive line, it's at left tackle. Starter Eugene Monroe is expected to miss multiple weeks with an injury, thrusting James Hurst into his position.

That being said, it hardly matters. With Arthur Jones still out with his own injury and Bjoern Werner playing the part of a ghost, the left side of the offensive line will likely remain stout. Because of this, Walden will be relied on to produce a consistent pass rush from the opposite side.

Wagner, the starting right tackle in Baltimore, has but six career starts. Walden's two sacks this season are tied for the lead on the team.

Flacco does not perform exceptionally on the run, so making him uncomfortable in the pocket will greatly improve the Colts' chances of beating their AFC foe in Week 5.

Anthony Castonzo vs. Terrell Suggs

David Richard/Associated Press

Castonzo, ever the average tackle, has continued his middling efforts this season. However, the formerly dominant Suggs has taken a noticeable step back.

The Arizona State product is now 31 years old. He tallied only 10 sacks in 2013, his lowest total during a full season since 2009.

After four games in 2014, he's tallied just .5 sacks.

If there was ever a time for him to break out a multi-sack performance, it just may be this weekend in a statement game against the red-hot Colts. Castonzo is serviceable, but that's about it. On his best day, Suggs will make him look like a fool.

The question is, will the fearsome pass-rusher have his best day in Week 5?

We shall see.