No franchise quarterback? No fears.

It's fair to say that if one player were responsible for defeating the Ravens last Thursday it was quarterback Matt Ryan. This coming Sunday, the Ravens play the Carolina Panthers, a team that does not have the luxury of a franchise quarterback.

How does that affect the Ravens' odds?

The constantly revolving QB carousel in Charlotte hinders the growth of their offense. The Panthers are currently ranked 32nd in passing offense. Matt Moore was the team starter at the beginning of the season until Clausen replaced him because of poor performances. Neither Matt Moore nor Jimmy Clausen's touchdown passes surmount their number of interceptions.

Injury has eradicated their depth at that position. Matt Moore was placed on injured reserve week 10 and Jimmy Clausen suffered a concussion last week in Tampa Bay so his participation in Sunday's game is uncertain. Third quarterback, rookie Tony Pike who has yet to start a game and only thrown 12 passes at the professional level (non including preseason), may become the starter against Baltimore.

This shift in offensive leadership is the just the opportunity the Ravens' defensive players have been looking forward to. The entire secondary has struggled this season to fend off the Falcons and the Patriots, two of the league's better passing attacks.

Haloti Ngata, Terrell Suggs and other pass rushers must be salivating at the chance to elevate their sack numbers. The Panthers have allowed their quarterbacks to be sacked an 27 times thus far into the season. Miscommunication between the Pike and the receivers is virtually unavoidable since he hasn't acquired much experience in games. Once Pike starts to second guess himself and hold on the ball too long, the Ravens defenders will light him up.

Needless to say, I pick the Ravens for this game. Besides the Panthers' exceptional pass defense, they boast no other strengths. Flacco will find a way to produce through the air and Ray Rice/Willis Mcgahee will gash their run defense for menacing runs. The Ravens' defense will smother the Panthers defense making them non-existent.