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Baltimore Ravens: 5 Matchups to Watch vs. Buffalo Bills

By Joe Serpico

Dec 6, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy (25) looks on as quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) runs the ball during the second half against the Houston Texans at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Buffalo beat Houston 30-21. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy (25) looks on as quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) runs the ball during the second half against the Houston Texans at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Buffalo beat Houston 30-21. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sammy Watkins vs. Jimmy Smith

Nov 15, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith (22) breaks up as pass intended for Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Allen Robinson (15) during the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Jacksonville defeated Baltimore 22-20. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith (22) breaks up as pass intended for Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Allen Robinson (15) during the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Jacksonville defeated Baltimore 22-20. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Sammy Watkins has been in the NFL for two seasons and has quickly established himself as one of the premier pass catchers in the game. He is coming off a year in which he hauled in 60 passes for 1,047 yards and nine touchdowns in 13 games. The Bills expect him to make that quantum leap in his third year in the league.

Watkins has declared himself ready for Week 1 after a stress fracture in his left foot has held him out of the preseason. He likely is not 100 percent entering the regular season, a problem that the Ravens are not complaining about. The secondary was the team’s biggest weakness and they could use any advantage they can get.

Jimmy Smith is the top corner on the roster and will likely follow Watkins wherever he lines up. It remains to be seen if that’s good for the Ravens. Smith is coming off a year in which he was ranked 76th of all cornerbacks by Pro Football Focus. For as much grief that Shareece Wright has received, he finished ahead of Smith with a grade of 73.1, good for 53rd of all NFL corners. Regardless, you expect better from a player who was guaranteed $21 million over the past two seasons.

The secondary needs to keep Watkins in check. Smith will have Eric Weddle and former corner Lardarius Webb behind him, but he cannot let Watkins make big plays. If the Ravens can neutralize the star wideout, they should be able to pick up the win.

Next: The Rookie vs. Rex Ryan

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