No. 2: Cornerback William Jackson vs. Wide Receiver Michael Crabtree
Flipping the script, and equally enticing Bengals-Ravens one-on-one matchup to watch will be between Baltimore’s newly acquired wide receiver, Michael Crabtree, and Cincinnati cornerback Williams Jackson.
Like Marlon Humphrey, Jackson (another first-round draft pick) impressed in 2017 after being redshirted with an injury his rookie season. A year ago, the 6-foot-0 defensive back registered one pick-six touchdown and a whopping 13 passes defended. He had a bit of a rough go in Week 1, though, allowing six receptions on seven targets and giving up a touchdown against the Colts. But overall, one should still feel pretty comfortable with Jackson in a starting role.
He’ll frequently line up opposite the veteran, Michael Crabtree, who was one of Baltimore’s numerous efforts to revamp the wide receiver position to assist quarterback Joe Flacco.
Crabtree, who endured a down year with the Oakland Raiders last season, figures to be one of Flacco’s top targets in 2018. He was targeted for a team-high six times in Week 1, which means he’ll likely see the lion’s share of looks when the Ravens visit Cincinnati this week.
Look for Jackson to stay busy.