What’s the concern level for the Baltimore Ravens’ 0-2 start?
Two-time MVP Lamar Jackson will look to save the Ravens’ season in a Week 3 matchup versus the Dallas Cowboys.
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The Dallas Cowboys will host the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday in a Week 3 battle that will see both teams looking to get things right after unsatisfying starts to the NFL season.
Dallas started the season with a solid win over Cleveland, but saw any positivity from that win wiped away after a nightmarish 44-19 Week 2 loss to New Orleans. While the Cowboys put up decent enough numbers on offense, turnovers and a woeful performance defending the run added up to a blowout loss. A long list of injury questions heading into this game hasn’t helped, though star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is reportedly good to go after being held out of practice on Wednesday.
Dallas Cowboys: Reeling defense faces tall order in stopping No. 1-ranked Ravens offense
Baltimore, meanwhile, is in a very odd position: the 0-2 Ravens came into Week 3 leading the NFL in total yards on offense. However, some hard luck (think a potential last-second touchdown to tie things up against Kansas City being ruled out by a toenail), red-zone execution issues, and middling defensive play have ended with dual one-score losses to the Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders.
That leaves Lamar Jackson and Co. — who expected to be major AFC contenders again after getting the No. 1 seed in last year’s playoffs — desperate to avoid an 0-3 start.
The Ravens are narrow favorites to win, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2024 including the ESPN BET app and Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.
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Jordan Mendoza writes: “After what happened in Week 2, it’s anyone’s guess as to who wins this. However, Baltimore has the worst passing defense in the NFL, meaning a big day could be in store for Dak Prescott. Dallas squeaks by the Ravens to send them to 0-3.”
Iain MacMillan writes: “The Cowboys have had issues stopping the run the past number of seasons and it seems to be a cause for concern for them again in 2024. Through the first two weeks, they’re 23rd in opponent yards per carry, giving up 4.9 yards per rush. A game against the high-powered rushing offense of the Ravens is bad news for the Dallas defense. I’ll take Baltimore to get in the win and cover on Sunday.”
Pete Prisco writes: “This game has lost some luster with the Ravens at 0-2 and the Cowboys getting blown out last week. Both teams have issues, but the biggest is the Ravens offensive line. After watching what the Saints did to the Dallas defense, they will overcome that and run Derrick Henry. The Ravens will get their first victory on the road against the Cowboys.”
Jon Machota writes: “I think the 0-2 Ravens are the more desperate team. They badly need a win with the Bills and Bengals up next on their schedule. The Cowboys have been great at bouncing back from losses under McCarthy. However, I think Jackson’s playmaking ability ends up being too much.”