We’re on to Denver.
After two wild wins, the Ravens hit the road for the third time in four games. On Wednesday, the Ravens got a big boost as the team activated defensive linemen Brandon Williams and Justin Madubuike, as well as outside linebacker Justin Houston from the Reserve/COVID-19 list. Those players were sorely missed last week and will give the team a huge boost this week as they face a similarly dynamic running back.
The Broncos (3-0) are one of only five teams in the NFL to enter Week 4 undefeated. Critics, though, will point to the Broncos facing teams that are now a combined 0-9 as a caution when evaluating their true talent. On the flip side, Denver supporters will note their team ranks 1st in scoring defense (8.3 ppg) and QB rating allowed (57.8).
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Make no mistake: Denver is a good football team. They’ve passed every test so far and have made it look easy. The Ravens, however, have three key equalizers on their side.
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Lamar Jackson
At this point, what else can be said about Lamar Jackson? His ball security, passing, playoff problems…all gone. Sure, he’s not perfect, but those intermittent flaws that show up are quickly followed by moments of brilliance. He’s special and is a perennial MVP candidate. Denver QB Teddy Bridgewater may have preceded Jackson at the University of Louisville, but in no way does he present the threat Jackson does. As NFL.com’s Gregg Rosenthal tweeted yesterday, “Lamar leads the NFL in yards-per-completion and yards-per-carry. No one like him.”
As good as Lamar has been, there’s still a lot of room for improvement—both on his side and in terms of his receivers. They’ll all need to be on the same page this Sunday at Mile High, as no one ever likes to fall behind, especially on the road. Baltimore has lost their last four regular season games and five of their last six when playing in Denver.
Good thing the Ravens have Jackson leading the way, as the former MVP is 17-4 on the road as a starter in the NFL. Two of those losses were at Kansas City and all of them were by a combined 19 points.
If you’re going to beat a Lamar Jackson-led team in your house, you’re going to have to earn it.
Justin Tucker
Like Lamar, what else can be said about Justin Tucker? What will his encore to setting an NFL record be?
It’s hard to believe, but Tucker is in his 10th NFL season and is still as clutch as they come. Since entering the league in 2012, Tucker has missed only 11 of his 335 kicks on the road (170/171 extra points, 154/164 field goals).
That’s key against Denver because the Broncos won’t give the Ravens many opportunities to score. They’re one of three teams to attempt at least 90 passes on offense without throwing an interception (Vikings, Giants).
Given that both teams have a combined 28 players on injured reserve (Baltimore 15, Denver 13), field position figures to play a decisive role in the outcome of Sunday’s game. If that’s the case, the Ravens are in great shape with No. 9 in their corner.
Vegas
The current line in Vegas favors Denver by 1 point. The Ravens have a combined minus-3 point differential through three games, so that 1-point spread makes sense.
Even though it’s only 1 point, the Ravens being an underdog is a welcome sight for those who care to wager. Under Harbaugh, the Ravens are 45-31-5 as underdogs against the spread.
My prediction: Baltimore 30, Denver 20. The Ravens come out firing after such a close game against the Lions. Denver does its best to keep up, but Baltimore gradually pulls away. With their next four games at home, the Ravens realize how crucial it is to get a road win and set themselves up to go on a run. Here’s to a game that ends comfortably in Baltimore’s favor (
Born in Baltimore, Mike had long been drawn to sports of all kinds. Growing up watching Cal Ripken play ever day gave him a great example for which to attack every endeavor he undertakes.
When the Ravens came to town, though, that’s when Mike found his passion. Since that time, he’s tried to gain every bit of knowledge he could. Now as a high school coach, Mike is able to take his film study and appreciation of the game to a new level.
To engage with Mike on social media, follow him on Twitter @MikeFastNFL.