Tennessee Titans (2-6) at Baltimore Ravens (5-4)

Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Md. – TV: CBS

*TV announcers: Andrew Catalon, Steve Tasker, Steve Beuerlein

*Keys to the game: It’s a statement game for the Ravens, who cut two cornerbacks after Ben Roethlisberger ripped through the secondary for six touchdown passes Sunday night.

Baltimore is fighting to stay out of last place in the AFC North following consecutive losses. More efficient play from QB Joe Flacco in the horizontal possession-type routes puts the pressure on defenders to avoid mental breakdowns, which have been problematic for the Titans.

The Titans are physical at the line, but don’t want to rile WR Steve Smith, who is still quick enough to shake the initial jam and get to speed atop his route. More zone coverage could be blended in to counter Flacco’s penchant to launch deep routes and complement surprising RB Justin Forsett’s inside running.

Titans play-caller and head coach Ken Whisenhunt can use his running backs and TE Delanie Walker to draw the Ravens’ coverage to the middle of the field before winding up rookie QB Zach Mettenberger for the chunk plays the offense needs to back the Ravens off the line. Baltimore is not likely to back off even if the Titans stretch the field, with the idea that Mettenberger’s bravado will eventually bite the Titans.

*Matchup to watch – Titans OT Michael Oher vs. Ravens OLB Elvis Dumervil: Oher returns to his old stomping grounds and is in for an immense challenge. Dumervil leads the team in sacks and Baltimore’s defense has 15 in the past four games. Oher is the NFL’s 70th-ranked offensive tackle according to ProFootballFocus.com.

*Player spotlight – Titans LB Avery Williamson: It’s not all on the rookie, but his role in coordinator Ray Horton’s 3-4 defense is vital to foiling the Ravens’ game plan. He’s a bigger linebacker and throwback thumper who can be a liability if forced to make isolation plays outside the hashmarks.

*Fast facts: The Ravens have allowed 34 pass plays of 20-plus. … Baltimore has the NFL’s longest November home winning streak (nine games).

WHO WILL WIN AND WHY

Baltimore’s front seven should easily contain the Titans’ rushing game, leaving Mettenberger to find the antidote for a veteran-laden defense.

*Our pick: Ravens 31-17