NFL Baltimore RavensTampa Bay Buccaneers

Ravens vs. Buccaneers: Top 5 Matchups To Watch

Ravens vs. Buccaneers: Top 5 Matchups To Watch

Justin Forsett Ravens
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Ravens and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are coming off tough losses. Both teams will be looking to bounce back when they face off this Sunday at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. With that in mind, these are the top five matchups to watch when the Ravens take on the Buccaneers.

5. DE Michael Johnson vs. LT James Hurst

Michael Johnson Buccaneers
Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

5. DE Michael Johnson vs. LT James Hurst

Michael Johnson Buccaneers
Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive end Michael Johnson was the Buccaneers' prized free agent acquisition this past offseason. He has two sacks on the season but has yet to have a true breakout game. That could change this week when he faces off against Ravens left tackle James Hurst.

4. WR Steve Smith vs. CB Alterraun Verner

Steve Smith Ravens
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

4. WR Steve Smith vs. CB Alterraun Verner

Steve Smith Ravens
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith struggled for the first time all season last week against the Indianapolis Colts. He will be looking for a bounce back performance against the Buccaneers. He will likely be matched up against Buccaneers cornerback Alterraun Verner. The fifth-year player had his first interception as a Buccaneer in last week's loss to the New Orleans Saints.

3. WR Vincent Jackson vs. CB Jimmy Smith

Vincent Jackson Buccaneers
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

3. WR Vincent Jackson vs. CB Jimmy Smith

Vincent Jackson Buccaneers
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson has had a resurgence since Mike Glennon took over as the starting quarterback. The 10th-year wideout is coming off his best game of the season, an eight-reception, 144-yard performance against the Saints. The Ravens will likely use their best cornerback, Jimmy Smith, to try and bring Jackson back down to earth.

2. RB Justin Forsett vs. Buccaneers' Run Defense

Justin Forsett Baltimore Ravens
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

2. RB Justin Forsett vs. Buccaneers' Run Defense

Justin Forsett Baltimore Ravens
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

In the Ravens' running back-by-committee approach, Justin Forsett has emerged as the leading man. The seventh-year running back has proven to be dangerous as both a runner and a receiver out of the backfield. The Buccaneers' defense is coming off a game in which they allowed New Orleans to rack up 140 rushing yards.

1. RB Doug Martin vs. Ravens' Run Defense

Doug Martin Buccaneers
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

1. RB Doug Martin vs. Ravens' Run Defense

Doug Martin Buccaneers
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Buccaneers running back Doug Martin has just 94 yards on 37 carries this season. However, head coach Lovie Smith made it clear this week that he was sticking with Martin as the team's lead back. He could find things difficult again this week against the Ravens No. 8 ranked run defense.

K.J. Momberg is a Jacksonville Jaguars writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @k_momberg or add him to your network on Google.

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