Baltimore Ravens: Game-by-Game Stat Predictions for RB Ray Rice

Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice had an incredible season last year. The fourth-year player out of Rutgers had over 1,300 rushing yards and nearly 300 attempts. He also cashed in on 12 touchdowns.

He is running with great confidence and definitely looks far from reaching his peak. His great vision and shiftiness allows him to squirt through tight holes, or bounce to the outside.

Despite his 5'8 stature, Rice is a force to be reckoned with for opposing defenses and is tough to bring down.

However, the Ravens just placed the franchise tag on him and contract negotiations are nowhere close to being done. This off-field distraction has caused him to miss valuable time with the team.

Despite this issue, Ray Rice will still work hard because he is so passionate about the game.

Here is an estimation of his numbers for the Ravens' 2012 regular season.

Week 1: vs Bengals

The Ravens open up the season on Monday Night Football against their fellow AFC North member. While Baltimore does not have the best record on primetime television, and always seem to struggle against Cincinnati, Ray Rice appears to do his best. He ran over 20 times for over 100 yards last year against this team in both match-ups. Look for him to get his season off to a fast start and put up similar numbers.

Prediction: 23 carries, 110 yards

Week 2: at Eagles

For the most part, Philadelphia has a staunch defense. They have slipped a little as of late, but with some new additions, look for them to be tough to run against. Rice has put up decent numbers against the NFC, but nothing too impressive.

Prediction: 15 carries, 60 yards

Week 3: vs Patriots

Baltimore always plays New England tough, including in last season's devastating AFC Championship game. Rice's numbers have not been consistent against the Pats, and with some newer players, look for them to be able to stop him. The Ravens may be playing the 2011 Super Bowl runner-ups too early in the season to hang.

Prediction: 13 carries, 45 yards

Week 4: vs Browns

The Ravens and Ray Rice always have the Cleveland Browns' number. Rice ran for over 200 yards Week 12 against the Browns and look for him to have a similarly dominant performance.

Prediction: 25 carries, 150 yards

Week 5: at Chiefs

Rice does a great job of exploiting less-than-stellar defenses. Even though the game is in a tough Arrowhead Stadium, Ray will be able to get it done and carry the Ravens to victory.

Prediction: 17 carries, 90 yards

Week 6: vs Cowboys

Every football fan should mark this game on their calendar. The Cowboys will be coming off of a Bye week, and the Ravens should be coming in with a lot of confidence off of two relatively easy victories.

Prediction: 14 carries, 50 yards

Week 7: at Texans

Rice has done well against the Texans, and with the loss of Mario Williams, Houston will have a hard time containing him.

Prediction: 20 carries, 100 yards

Week 8: Bye

Week 9: at Browns

Even though Paul Brown Stadium is a tough venue, the Ravens never seemed to be bothered. Look for them to continue their dominance in Cleveland.

Prediction: 22 carries, 135 yards

Week 10: vs Raiders

With all of the turmoil that seems to be in Oakland and with the long distance travel, Baltimore and Rice will have no trouble with this game.

Prediction: 25 carries, 120 yards

Week 11: at Steelers

Finally, the Ravens will face their biggest rival. It's a good thing they will have a lot of confidence going in, but Ray Rice does not usually put up his best numbers. It is also in Pittsburgh, which makes it that much harder.

Prediction: 17 carries, 65 yards

Week 12: at Chargers

Baltimore crashed and burned at the end of last season against the Chargers. Playing on the west coast always makes things more challenging, and look for this to be no different. Also, they will be even more exhausted after playing a tough and gritty game against the Steelers.

Prediction: 13 carries, 45 yards

Week 13: vs Steelers

Now the enemy comes to Ravens Stadium. This will be a hard-fought, hard-nosed game. The fans will be into it, and in last year's home stand, Rice ran for over 100 yards. With the Steelers' aging defense, "Little Ray" will be ready to run.

Prediction: 18 carries, 80 yards

Week 14: at Redskins

It is the "Battle of the Beltway", and with a new sheriff in town, look for the Redskins to have more poise than in previous seasons. The Ravens are also coming off of a tough stretch and may be a little worn out. Rice is a very fit player, but his load may be lighter in this game.

Prediction: 13 carries, 40 yards

Week 15: vs Broncos

The Broncos will be traveling into Baltimore. As is the case with the Chiefs and Raiders, Rice tends to be successful against AFC West teams. Altitude will also not be a factor, so look for Ray to continue this trend.

Prediction: 17 carries, 85 yards

Week 16: vs Giants

Baltimore takes on the defending Super Bowl champs. New York will be a tough opponent, especially with their big front line. Rice will most likely have more of an impact in the passing game than in the running game.

Prediction: 15 carries, 65 yards

Week 17: at Bengals

Not having seen Cincy since Week One, the Bengals could be a little bit of a trip up, but look for Rice and the Ravens to close out the season on a good note and ride high into another hopeful playoff run.

Prediction: 20 carries, 115 yards