“Bo Nix, Broncos, looking forward to the challenge” in the AFC tilt against Lamar Jackson, Ravens

CAN THE BRONCOS GET SOMETHING DEFENSIVELY?

On the shoulders of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, the Ravens have built one of the best offenses in the league. Baltimore ranks first in total offense, rushing yards per game, plays of 20+ yards and red zone percentage, while ranking second in points per game (30.3).

Jackson leads all quarterbacks in rushing yards and yards per carry, while Henry leads the NFL in carries, rush yards, yards per carry and rushing touchdowns. Jackson was equally impressive in the air. The two-time MVP has the second-best touchdown-to-interception ratio and leads the league in passer rating and offensive yards per game.

Through eight weeks, Jackson has averaged more yards per game and a higher passer rating than in any of his MVP seasons.

“It’s really challenging,” defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said of facing Jackson and Henry. “Obviously this league is based on having good players (and) having a good scheme. But they have playmakers everywhere. Their running game obviously starts with Derrick Henry – and when you get Lamar adding 60 yards per game, between the scrambles and the called quarterback runs make it difficult to get a stop. That's why, in terms of numbers, they are so high.

The Ravens' two-headed rushing attack will be the primary focus of the third-ranked Denver defense, although the passing attack also presents a challenge. Denver's defense may be up to the task, as the team ranks fifth in rushing yards allowed per attempt entering Week 9.

“You have to take something away,” Joseph said. “I prefer the run game and let them throw it. So we'll see how that works out on Sunday. But we have a plan to stop both. We’ll see how this turns out.”

CAN DENVER BE THE MORE PHYSICAL TEAM?

The AFC North has earned a reputation as a strong, physical league – and the Ravens have embodied that identity with players like Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and Terrell Suggs.

With a run-heavy offense and a number of defensive playmakers, Baltimore maintains that physicality. On Sunday, Denver will have to match or exceed that toughness.

“There’s definitely a personality in what they want to do, and how they want to play,” Payton said. “We want to have that kind of personality too. I think it’s important in today’s NFL.”

In every match, it is crucial to win the battle at the line of scrimmage and set the tone in the running game. That should be especially true on Sunday, and cornerback Pat Surtain II believes the Broncos are well prepared for the challenge.

“We also play physical ball,” Surtain said Wednesday. “That also benefits us because that’s what we’re into. That's our goal: to play physical ball on both sides of the ball. It’s going to be a very physical ballgame and we’ll be prepared for it.”