Ravens vs. Jaguars potential X factors: 3-time Pro Bowlers among pivotal playmakers

This AFC clash could be decided by contributions from a handful of players.

The Baltimore Ravens will be heading to Duval County, Florida for the second year in a row to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 15. They are entering this primetime matchup between AFC division leaders on Sunday Night Football as respectable road favorites to win their fourth straight game.

In almost every game, there is a play or two made that helped swing momentum into a team’s favor or extend their lead. There are a handful of select players who either aren’t being talked about as much or are primed to have a big day.

Below are some of those individuals who could prove to be deciding factors in the final outcome in Week 15.

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CB Marlon Humphrey

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The three-time Pro Bowler had a mixed bag of results in his first game back in action after missing the Ravens’ previous two games ahead of the bye week.

According to NextGenStats, he allowed 92 yards in coverage against the Los Angeles Rams in addition to drawing a bogus defensive pass interference penalty where the receiver hooked him, not the other way around. Humphrey was targeted several times on the Rams final drive of regulation that forced overtime and Matthew Stafford had success throwing his way. Until he proves that he has returned to his elite form, Humphrey can expect to get tested early and often in games moving forward. Sunday will present another tough task against another talented and confident thrower in Jaguars’ quarterback Trevor Lawrence who will be looking to connect with sixth-year wide receiver Calvin Ridley on a regular basis.

WR Nelson Agholor

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The ninth-year veteran made several clutch grabs for the Ravens last week against the Rams with all five of his targets coming on scoring drives at the end of each half. He has been an unselfish key contributor and a stalwart leader for the offense all season and while he is often third or fourth read in the progression most times, Agholor has proven he can make the most of limited opportunities. Against a banged-up Jaguars’ cornerback depth chart, he could be poised to make meaningful contributions since there will likely be more attention diverted to limiting three-time Pro Bowl wideout Odell Beckham Jr. and standout first-round rookie Zay Flowers.

OLB Jadeveon Clowney

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The former three-time Pro Bowler has been a pleasant surprise and disruptive force off the edge this season. He will be among several front seven players poised to wreak havoc on an ailing Jaguars offensive line under a national spotlight. Clowney ranks second on the team in sacks with 7.5 and going against a rookie right tackle in Anton Harrison and a left tackle hampered by injury in Walker Little, he is primed to not only add to that total but perhaps even tie or surpass his single-season career high of 9.5 that he set in 2021.

TE Charlie Kolar

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The Jaguars will likely be paying more attention to his fellow second-year pro, Isaiah Likely, since he is coming off his best game of the season last week. This could create more opportunities for him to get advantageous looks in one-on-one coverage or even wind up wide open on a coverage bust given the injuries, inconsistency, and lack of communication in the Jacksonville secondary. Kolar only has one reception for 13 yards this season and will continue to be a key cog in the run game but he could be poised to have a bigger role as a pass catcher for the first time this season.

DT Justin Madubuike

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The fourth-year breakout star is having a monster season and is primed to keep dominating this week going up against an ailing offensive line that will be trying to prevent him from getting to an injured signal caller in Lawrence who is dealing with a high ankle sprain. Madubuike leads the Ravens and all interior defensive linemen with a career-high 11 sacks and has recorded at least half a sack in a franchise record 10 straight games which is encroaching on an NFL record. The likelihood of his impressive streak getting extended is very high, especially if he lines up over left guard Ezra Cleveland who was limited in practice all week with a knee injury and is listed as questionable to play.