The Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans have a competitive history. The two franchises have met 27 times, with Baltimore holding a narrow 14-13 advantage. They've won each of the past two meetings. They meet this coming Sunday in Week 4. This week's matchup carries a few extra storylines.
Derrick Henry faces the organization where he spent the first eight seasons of his career, while both teams enter the game looking to build momentum after dramatically different starts to the season. Coaching will play a significant role in determining the outcome, but several individual matchups deserve attention as well. Here are some early thoughts about some matchups worth watching
Robert Saleh vs. Declan Doyle
One of the game's most respected defensive minds squares off against a rising
offensive play-callerwho continues to grow into his role. Robert Saleh has built a reputation around aggressive, disciplined defenses that force offenses to execute consistently. Declan Doyle, meanwhile, has already shown creativity and adaptability despite calling plays for the first time in his career.
Doyle's offense has experienced some early growing pains, but it has also produced explosive plays and found ways to put points on the board. The challenge this week will be finding answers against a defensive coach who has spent years making life difficult for opposing quarterbacks and offensive coordinators. This matchup feels like a fascinating chess match between experience and innovation.
Brian Daboll vs. Jesse Minter and Anthony Weaver
The Titans' offense will test a Ravens defense that is still searching for consistency. Jesse Minter handles play-calling responsibilities, while Anthony Weaver remains heavily involved in game-planning and in-game adjustments. Together, they are working to establish Baltimore's defensive identity under a new coaching staff.
Across the field in the Titans' booth sits Brian Daboll, one of the NFL's most respected offensive architects. Questions have followed him since his departure from Buffalo, with some wondering how much of his success was tied to Josh Allen's development.
Tennessee's offense remains a work in progress, but Daboll can still create favorable matchups and stress a defense's communication. This battle may ultimately determine whether the Ravens can control the game's pace.
Cam Ward vs. Baltimore's secondary
Both sides enter this matchup looking for answers. Ward has endured a difficult start to his professional career, but the Titans have surrounded him with capable pass catchers. Gunnar Helm has emerged as a reliable tight end target, while Calvin Ridley, Carnell Tate, and Wan'Dale Robinson provide speed and playmaking ability on the perimeter.
Baltimore's secondary has experienced its share of ups and downs through three weeks. Communication breakdowns and explosive plays have surfaced at unfortunate moments, making this an important test for a veteran defensive backfield.
On paper, the Ravens have the advantage. The challenge will be translating that advantage into consistent execution.
The Ravens' offensive line vs. Tennessee's defensive front
This may be the most important matchup of the game. The Dallas Cowboysgenerated more pressure than many expected and repeatedly won critical short-yardage situations against Baltimore. The Ravens surrendered a goal-line stand, struggled in some fourth-down situations, and left several opportunities on the field.
Now comes an even tougher challenge. Jeffery Simmons, John Franklin-Myers, and Jermaine Johnson headline a Tennessee front capable of disrupting both the running and passing games. Anthony Hill Jr. serves as the centerpiece of the defense and has quickly become one of the Titans' most productive defenders.
If Baltimore's offensive line controls the line of scrimmage, the Ravens should have opportunities to dictate the game. If Tennessee wins up front, things could become much more complicated.
Lamar Jackson vs. Cam Ward
The quarterback matchup offers an interesting contrast. Lamar Jackson entered the NFL as the final first-round selection in a quarterback class that included Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Josh Allen, and Josh Rosen. Since then, he has become one of the league's most accomplished players and remains the standard in the AFC North.
Ward arrived with a different level of pre-draft attention as the first overall pick in 2025. He is still working through the growing pains that often accompany young quarterbacks, and at times the speed of the NFL game seems challenging.
The Titans believe Ward can eventually become the face of their franchise. On Sunday, he will be measured against one of the league's premier quarterbacks.
The wild card: Derrick Henry vs. Tennessee's run defense
Few storylines are easier to appreciate than this one. Henry spent eight seasons carrying Tennessee's offense before joining Baltimore. Now he faces a Titans defense that enters Week 4 ranked 24th against the run, allowing 126.3 rushing yards per game.
The Ravens have made it clear that Henry remains a focal point of their offense. He enters the game with six rushing touchdowns through three weeks and remains Baltimore's most reliable scoring threat near the goal line.
Tennessee knows Henry's strengths better than almost anyone. The question is whether that familiarity will help slow him down. If Baltimore establishes the running game early, the Ravens could force the Titans into a long afternoon and create favorable opportunities for Jackson and the passing attack.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens vs. Titans: Five early matchups to watch in Week 4
