NFL Week 7 Picks: Predictions for Ravens vs. Jaguars Monday Night Football Game

The Baltimore Ravens (4-1) take on the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-5) tonight on Monday Night Football. 

Here's some early predictions to watch for tonight:

Ray Rice Will Have a Big Night

I know, big surprise. Rice has picked up big chunks of yards on the ground and through the air all season, but this matchup against the Jaguars' defense is especially appealing. Jacksonville has given up over 165 yards to running backs in two of the past three weeks. Rice has been kept under 100 total yards just once in 2011. There's nothing to suggest that Rice doesn't make it six of seven Monday night. 

Rookie WR Has Changed the Ravens' Offense

For most of Joe Flacco's reign as the starting quarterback in Baltimore, the Ravens' offense has been a run-oriented offense with a limited ability to stretch defenses vertically.

That's not the case anymore. Torrey Smith has the kind of game-breaking speed that puts pressure on cornerbacks and safeties to respect the vertical aspect. Lee Evans' presence has also done the same.

The numbers haven't always shown it for Flacco this season, but the Ravens' offense is now more dynamic with Smith on board. He can help stretch the Jaguars' defense tonight.    

Maurice Jones-Drew Equals Consistency

He hasn't had good quarterback play all season, but running back Maurice Jones-Drew continues to put up numbers, week in and week out. In all six games this season, MJD has gone over 80 yards—and it doesn't matter how many carries he gets. Jones-Drew received less than 20 carries in three of the six games.

He faces another stiff test tonight, as the Ravens have given up more than 80 yards to backs just twice in 2011. Jones-Drew needs to go well over 80 yards to give the Jaguars a chance. 

Gabbert Has His Hands Full

At this point, it's difficult to pin-point exactly where Jaguars rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert really is. He's faced the Steelers and Bengals, two of the better defenses in 2011. Gabbert also took on a monsoon in Carolina and Drew Brees and the Saints. Tonight, he'll face arguably the best defense in football in the Ravens.  

Gabbert will likely struggle again, but it would be hard to fault him after what he's had to face so far in his rookie season.