A handful of Philadelphia Eagles who must thrive in Week 13 vs Ravens

Okay... And, here we go! Week 13 is another litmus test. It seems like we've said that every week lately. But, this time, we truly, truly mean it. The Philadelphia Eagles hit the road this week to face a true Super Bowl contender, a squad that could prove to be the AFC's best.

Once upon a time, these Baltimore Ravens were the Cleveland Browns. They just moved to another city and changed the name... But, their record books consisted of Browns legends.

Then, Cleveland was granted the right to birth a new franchise, and they did so. The Browns were back, and eventually, they'd ask for their old records and whatnot to be returned.

So, we've said all of that to say this. Technically, the Eagles and Ravens have met on the field six times to play a football game, and the bad guys have a 3-2-1 lead in the all-time series. Baltimore has taken two straight. This one will be played at M&T Bank Stadium.

These two teams are, in many ways, mirror images of each other. Our Birds will need to be on their A-game.

Here are five of about a dozen Eagles who will need Herculean efforts to lead Philly past a good Ravens team.

All 22 starters are needed. Reserves will have to play huge roles. Philly has their hands full on the road here. Every Eagle needs to play a great game. That goes without saying, but keep an eye on the five guys we've named on this list.

Nolan Smith, EDGE

This is exactly the type of opportunity Nolan Smith has searched for. He has improved, but we still need him to be better, especially now.

Bryce Huff (don't call him Josh) and Brandon Graham are both on injured reserve. It's up to Nolan and Josh Sweat to lead this pass rush.

Cam Jurgens, Mekhi Becton, and Landon Dickerson - offensive linemen

Ravens nose tackle Michael Pierce (calf injury) has begun his 21-day window to return off injured reserve. The interior of Philly's O-line will be tested regardless of whether he plays or not, but if he is activated and available, Cam Jurgens, Mekhi Becton, and Landon Dickerson will certainly earn their money in this one.

We believe all are up to the task.

Isaiah Rodgers, cornerback

Darius Slay appears to be out of this one, and that means it will be the Isaiah Rodgers show again. Eagles defensive coordinator likes him and second-year cornerback Kelee Ringo but says Rodgers, right now, is the better cover guy.

Opposing offenses have recently tested him and thrown away from Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean when the rookies are on the field. See the game in Los Angeles for evidence, but Rodgers is solid. Keep an eye on him this Sunday.

Nakobe Dean & Zack Baun, linebackers

These guys have been awesome this year and have flown all over the field. They'll need to do so again. Derrick Henry is a load, and if you haven't head, Lamar Jackson is quite the scrambler.