- What: NFL Football Regular Season Game
- When: Sunday, September 15
- Who: Las Vegas Raiders vs. Baltimore Ravens
- Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
- Where: M&T Bank Stadium (Baltimore, MD)
The Las Vegas Raiders and Baltimore Ravens are gearing up to face each other on Sunday, and they are both seeking to secure their first win.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders defense showed improvement in the second half of 2023, positioning itself around the middle of the league. However, in Week 1, they faced challenges with their ground defense, allowing an average of 6.5 yards per carry.
The Raiders struggled with various weaknesses, particularly exposed by the Chargers in Week 1.
While their passing game showed promise, they faced challenges running against the LA front. Going up against the Ravens, who excel in both passing and running, could result in another tough outing for the Raiders.
Opportunity knocks. #LVvsBAL | ???? @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/40dfKqawmX
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) September 15, 2024
Stopping Lamar Jackson will be a daunting task for the Raiders, especially considering their vulnerabilities in stopping the run.
While Maxx Crosby may pressure the former NFL MVP, containing him and bringing him down to the ground is much easier said than done. This could force the Raiders to allocate extra resources to defend the run, leaving them susceptible to an effective Baltimore passing game.
The Raiders might find themselves overwhelmed early on, only managing to mount an offense once the game is already out of reach.
Facing a superior team in a distant location sets the stage for a potential blowout, which seems likely to occur on Sunday.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens were so close to pushing the Chiefs into overtime during Week 1, and this Sunday, they’ll be aiming for a convincing victory.
Lamar Jackson’s performance was outstanding, throwing for 273 yards and a touchdown and rushing for 122 yards on seven carries, all against a formidable Kansas City defense.
Get in your seats early Ravens Flock!
Be in your seats by 12:40 p.m. as we honor Jacoby Jones and Joe D'Alessandris ???? pic.twitter.com/qwJjVYdyJh
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 15, 2024
Isaiah Likely, Rashod Bateman, and Zay Flowers, a trio of young and promising pass catchers, impressed in the previous game. We predict Flowers will shine the most, building on his strong showing against the Chiefs.
The Ravens’ defense should also have a strong showing at home in Week 2. They’re up against an underperforming Raiders offense with a vulnerable offensive line, setting the stage for the front seven to dominate.
Raiders-Ravens Best Bet
This Raiders squad looks like they’re going to be completely overwhelmed in this matchup. However, the spread has ballooned all the way up to 9 points at several sportsbooks.
That feels fair considering the advantages the Ravens have with the extra rest and this being their home opener.
While I agree the Ravens most likely win this game going away, I wouldn’t lay the 9 points, I’d target the total. 41 points is a low total, considering the game opened up at 44 points.
I believe it will be very difficult for the Raiders to score in this one, while the Ravens might shut down their offense once they get up by a couple of touchdowns.
The best bet in this one will be Under 41 points, as I’m expecting a 28-10 type game in this one.
Welcome to Dice City Sports — where we provide premium, exclusive, up-to-date news and analysis surrounding the Las Vegas sports scene. Follow along on social media, and check back for new articles daily!
Tony Reyes is a sports betting analyst and reporter for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X @TonyParlay.
