It’s almost time for the Baltimore Ravens to kick off their Week 3 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil! Baltimore Beatdown’s staff presents their last minute predictions for the game:
Nikhil Mehta
I have a bad feeling about this one. Maybe it’s my longtime appreciation for the ethical quarterbacking of Dak Prescott. Maybe it’s my fear of international games. But all of the vibes in the world cannot overshadow the fact that the Cowboys are missing several starting defenders in Brazil, while
the Ravens will have Nnamdi Madubuike and Teddye Buchanan on the field for the first time this year. Positive pre-game updates regarding Zay Flowers also offer some optimism that Baltimore can keep up with Dallas’ offense in a potential shoot-out, too. But
X-factor: Malaki Starks. The second-year safety had a rough first two games, and his task will not get any easier against Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens. He will need to limit the Cowboys’ explosive plays and prevent this game from turning into a boat race.
Score prediction: Ravens 30, Cowboys 27
Frank Platko
The Cowboys have a high-powered passing attack led by a star wide receiver duo in CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. Dak Prescott is good at pushing the ball downfield and the Ravens’ secondary will be challenged. The Ravens need to be much better at tackling pass-catchers in the open field, which was a huge issue last week. If Nate Wiggins and Marlon Humphrey hold up well in man coverage situations and the safeties limit explosive plays, the Ravens should be in good position to win.
X-factor: Carson Vinson. Vinson will be making his first start at left tackle in place of Ronnie Stanley. The Ravens can provide support for him with extra blockers, but there will inevitably be times where Vinson is on island in pass protection. The Cowboys have young athletic pass-rushers who will challenge him. With the Ravens’ interior offensive line already being shaky in pass blocking, they can’t afford for Vinson to struggle in this spot.
Score prediction: Ravens 27, Cowboys 24
Dustin Cox
The Ravens will have to avoid a shootout with a potent Cowboys’ offense considering they will be without Ronnie Stanley and potentially Zay Flowers. If Flowers does play, he will likely be more limited than usual. Baltimore’s defense has to do a better job of ending drives this week, starting with finishing tackles and eliminating yards after the catch. I predict a heavy dosage of Derrick Henry this week after he received just five carries in the second half of Week 2. Ball control and winning time of possession will be key for the Ravens avoiding a shootout that they may not have the firepower to win.
X-factor: Nnamdi Madubuike. Madubuike will return to the field in the first time in a year, and while it is unfair to expect him to be the same caliber of player right off the bat, he could still provide critical interior pressure on passing downs to help out Trey Hendrickson and Mike Green on the edges. Pressuring Dak Prescott and not allowing him to find his two superstar wide receivers will be paramount.
Score prediction: Ravens 23, Cowboys 21
