Baltimore Ravens at Dallas Cowboys Expert Pick

It may only be the third week, but this is a big game for both teams. The Ravens are 0-2 and must win to avoid starting 0-3, with the Bills and Bengals on the schedule for the next two weeks. The Cowboys are 1-1 and still on top of the NFC East. It would be an important win because the NFC East always comes down to the last week of the season. Read more Baltimore Ravens at Dallas Cowboys Expert Pick. 

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Kickoff

When: Sunday, September 22, 2024 @ 4:25 PM EST

Where: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX

TV: FOX

Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts Odds

Odds courtesy of DraftKings

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens lost to the Raiders last week, 26-23. Justin Tucker missed a 56-yard field goal that loomed large at the end of the game. The Ravens outgained the Raiders 383 to 260 but had 11 penalties for 109 yards.

Safety Kyle Hamilton (back) returned to practice in a limited fashion on Thursday, as did cornerback Nate Wiggins (neck/concussion), who are both questionable. Outside linebacker David Ojabo (quad) also returned to practice and is questionable. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley (ankle) practiced in full on Thursday and should play on Sunday.

Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys got blown out by the Saints last week, 44-19, and snapped their 16-game home winning streak. They were zero for three in the red zone and kicked four field goals. Their lone touchdown was a 65-yard catch by CeeDee Lamb.

CeeDee Lamb (ankle) and Trevon Diggs (foot) returned to practice in limited fashion on Thursday and are questionable. Jake Ferguson (knee) was limited on Wednesday and Thursday and is questionable. Safety Malik Hooker (shoulder) also practiced in a limited fashion on both days and should play Sunday.

Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys Head-To-Head

The Cowboys will have a tough time moving the ball on the ground against the Ravens. The Ravens lead the league in rushing yards allowed per game (49.5) at only 2.7 yards per attempt. The Cowboys only average 85 rushing yards per game and likely will have to get it done through the air on Sunday. The Ravens, on the other hand, average 168 rushing yards per game, and the Cowboys allow 141.5 rushing yards per game. Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson should have plenty of room to run if they can limit the penalties. The Ravens have had 18 penalties for 173 this season, the second-most behind the Broncos.

The Ravens should win the time of possession battle if they can run the ball successfully. Neither team has been plagued by turnovers this season, but Justin Tucker has missed two field goals this season, while Brandon Aubrey is eight for eight. The Ravens are in a must-win situation and will play hard on Sunday to avoid going 0-3. They have a tough schedule to start the season and could realistically begin 0-5 or 1-4 if they lose this game.

Prediction

Over/Under

The total for this matchup is 47.5. Both defenses have something to prove in this matchup, and the Ravens will be running the ball a lot. The clock will be winding down quickly, especially when the Ravens have the ball. I like the under 47.5. Under 47.5

Spread

The Ravens must win this game and will be playing inspired. They have to clean up the penalties, but I like the Ravens -1 or on the money line, whichever offers the best value. Ravens -1

Player Prop

Derrick Henry has played 46% of snaps in each game this season but has received the high-leverage touches in the backfield. He has four rush attempts in the red zone and has scored twice. I like his over in rushing yards and would even play 100+ rushing yards at +400 on DraftKings. That is +280 on FanDuel, which is great value for a player in a plus-matchup. Derrick Henry o66.5 rushing yards