The Baltimore Ravensand Dallas Cowboys don't meet often, but when they do, their games tend to draw plenty of attention. That will certainly be the case when the two franchises meet in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on the NFL's international stage.
Baltimore enters the matchup looking to get back on track, while Dallas arrives with momentum andone of the league's most explosive offenses. The Ravens have historically enjoyed success in this series, winning six of the first seven meetings between the franchises, including each of the last two matchups. Their only loss to Dallas came in 2016.
History won't decide Sunday's outcome, however. Both teams feature star power on both sides of the ball, which makes this game difficult to predict. Still, that has
never stopped anyone from trying. Here are five bold predictions for Ravens vs. Cowboys.
Calais Campbell and Trey Hendrickson both record sacks
Baltimore's pass rush has flashed potential through two games, but the Ravens need more consistent disruption from their veteran leaders. Trey Hendrickson remains one of the most dangerous edge rushers in football and seems overdue for a statement performance despite logging his first sack against New Orleans. Calais Campbell, meanwhile, has spent the first two weeks doing many of the little things that coaches appreciate without generating the splash plays fans tend to notice.
That changes in Brazil. The Cowboys have a talented offensive line, but Prescott will likely throw often against a Ravens defense determined to rebound from last week's frustrations. Baltimore's veteran pass rushers answer the call with at least one sack apiece.
Ravens allow two Dak Prescott touchdown passes but force two turnovers
Nobody should expect Dallas to be completely shut down. Prescott has too many weapons, including CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and Jake Ferguson. The Cowboys will make plays, and they will likely find the end zone through the air more than once. The difference this week will be Baltimore's ability to create takeaways.
The Ravens have endured missed opportunities in previous games. This feels like a week where the defense finally capitalizes. Dallas still moves the football, but two turnovers help swing momentum back toward Baltimore.
Derrick Henry rushes for 125 yards.
The Ravens did not bring Derrick Henry to Baltimore to watch him stand on the sideline during critical moments. Still, unfortunately... well... Henry has stood on the sideline during critical moments.
That became a talking point after Week 2, particularly when Baltimore moved away from the running game during stretches where it seemed capable of helping control the contest. This week offers a chance to correct that.
Dallas has shown vulnerability against the run, and the Ravens know one of the best ways to slow a dangerous offense is by keeping it off the field. Henry benefits from a heavier workload and responds with his first truly dominant performance of the season. By the final whistle, he has eclipsed the century mark and finishes with 125 rushing yards.
Lamar Jackson and Rashod Bateman connect for another touchdown
One of the more encouraging developments from Week 2 was the continued chemistry between Lamar Jackson and Rashod Bateman. Jackson made it clear this week that the two have trusted each other for years. The results showed up in a bigger way recently. With questions still surrounding Zay Flowers' availability, Bateman could once again become a focal point of Baltimore's passing attack.
Dallas will devote plenty of attention to slowing Jackson's favorite targets, but Bateman finds room to operate when it matters most. The result is another touchdown connection between quarterback and receiver.
The Ravens erase a fourth-quarter deficit and win late.
This prediction may cause a few Ravens fans to reach for antacids. Dallas has enough offensive firepower to make life uncomfortable throughout the afternoon. Prescott will make plays. Lamb and Pickens will create problems. Baltimore will likely have moments when it looks in trouble. Unlike last week, however, the Ravens deliver when the game hangs in the balance.
Rather than watching a late lead disappear, Baltimore needs a fourth-quarter response. Jackson leads a clutch scoring drive, the defense makes a critical stop, and the Ravens finally finish the type of game that slipped away from them before. It may not be comfortable. It may not be pretty. But by the end of a stressful afternoon in Brazil, Baltimore leaves with the result it desperately wanted and a much-needed boost heading into Week 4. Prediction: Ravens 24, Cowboys 20
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens vs. Cowboys: 5 bold predictions for Week 3 in Brazil
