The Baltimore Ravens return home seeking a second consecutive victory.
Baltimore leads the all-time series 14-13. The regular-season matchup is tied at 11 wins apiece, while the Ravens hold a 3-2 edge in the postseason. The last meeting was in London. Baltimore won behind a strong performance from Lamar Jackson among others. The Titans enter Week 4 still searching for their first victory, but the Ravens learned a valuable lesson against the New Orleans Saints earlier this season. Records rarely tell the entire story, and in the NFL, there is no such thing as an 'easy win.'
Still, even with all of that being said, Baltimore is the better team. They are favored and should win. Here are five factors that could determine Sunday's outcome.
Make sure Tennessee's slow starts continue
The Titans
have struggled to find offensive rhythm early in games. Tennessee has not topped 96 first-half yards in any contest this season and opened with a fumble on the opening kickoff. That effort was followed by five consecutive three-and-outs and a missed field goal on their sixth possession.
Cam Ward has faced pressure throughout the season and was sacked 55 times as a rookie. The Ravens have an opportunity to make life uncomfortable again. An early lead would allow Anthony Weaver's defense to dictate terms and force Tennessee away from its preferred game plan.
Give Jeffery Simmons extra attention
Baltimore's offensive line already faces enough questions without allowing Tennessee's best defensive player to take over the game. Jeffery Simmons remains one of the NFL's most disruptive interior defenders, and the Ravens have had to adjust their offensive line.
The Ravens are starting a new center, Vega Ioane, this week with two players on injured reserve. Whether it comes through double teams, chips, or quick-developing plays, Baltimore cannot allow Simmons to consistently collapse the pocket.
Force the Titans to become one-dimensional
Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears have battled injuries this week, but regardless of who suits up, the Ravens should prioritize stopping the run.
Tennessee's offense becomes much more predictable when it falls behind the chains. If Baltimore wins on early downs, the Titans will be forced to rely on Ward's arm in obvious passing situations, creating opportunities for the Ravens' pass rush.
Stay committed to Derrick Henry
The Titans have been stout against the run, allowing fewer than four yards per carry this season. That does not mean offensive coordinator Declan Doyle should abandon the ground game if the early returns are modest.
Henry remains Baltimore's offensive centerpiece. His physical running style often pays dividends as games progress. Patience could be rewarded in the second half.
Don't let Tennessee gain confidence
The Titans rank near the bottom of the NFL in both scoring and total offense, but Baltimore cannot afford to give an opponent reasons to believe.
The longer this game remains within one possession, the more pressure shifts to the Ravens. Tennessee has nothing to lose, while Baltimore is trying to build momentum, establish consistency, and secure its first home victory of the season. If the Ravens handle the five areas above, they should leave M&T Bank Stadium at 3-1. If they don't, they could find themselves in another uncomfortable fourth-quarter battle against an opponent many expect them to beat.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens vs. Titans: 5 keys to a Baltimore win in Week 4
