CHARLOTTE – The Carolina Panthers go in search of win number five Sunday, when they host the Baltimore Ravens.  The Panthers are playing their first home game since edging the New York Giants back in week five, when Graham Gano kicked a 63-yard field goal in the final seconds, lifting Carolina to a 33-31 win.

Here’s what to look for Sunday when the Panthers take on the Ravens.

WHEN BALTIMORE HAS THE BALL

The Ravens don’t put up “video game” numbers, but what they are successful with, is being efficient with the ball.  Baltimore enjoys success through the air, as the Ravens are ranked ninth in net passing yards per game.  They don’t run the ball particularly well, as they come in ranked 24th in the league.  Their numbers are likely down in that regard, because they don’t run it that often (31st in the league in rushing attempts).

Look for Joe Flacco to target Michael Crabtree and John Brown down the field, and Willie Snead is a threat out of the backfield to catch passes.  He is just two catches behind Crabtree (33 to 35), and averages a little more than 10 yards per catch.

WHEN CAROLINA HAS THE BALL

The comeback in Philadelphia was a shot in the arm to an offensive unit that punted on five straight possessions against the Eagles in week seven.  Carolina scored 21 unanswered points to beat the reigning Super Bowl champions 21-17, and the players admit they would like to not be in that situation against Baltimore.

That may be easier said than done, as the Ravens will roll into Charlotte with the top ranked defense in the league.  They give up the fewest total yards per game (280.6), and have given up the fewest points league wide (101).  The front seven continue to cause problems for the opposition, as they also lead the league in sacks, with 27.

If there is an area Carolina can take advantage, it is on the ground.  Baltimore is ranked seventh in stopping the ground attack, allowing 90.1 yards per game.  They are still pretty stout in that regard.  It will be tough sledding between the tackles for Christian McCaffrey and C.J. Anderson, so look for Cam Newton to try and utilize McCaffrey in the passing game a little more.

Speaking of the passing game, wide receiver Torrey Smith was ruled out for Sunday with a knee injury, and on Friday head coach Ron Rivera said that Curtis Samuel and D.J. Moore would likely be more active in the offense.

INJURY DESIGNATIONS

BALTIMORE

OUT: CB Marlon Humphrey (thigh), G James Hurst (Back

DOUBTFUL: G Alex Lewis (neck)

QUESTIONABLE: CB Anthony Averett (hamstring), C Bradley Bozeman (calf), LB Anthony Levine (hamstring), CB Jimmy Smith (groin)

CAROLINA:

OUT: WR Torrey Smith (knee), LB Andre Smith (hamstring)

DOUBTFUL: S Rashaan Gaulden (ankle)