The Baltimore Ravens will travel to Dallas to take on the Cowboys in a week three matchup. The Ravens are looking for their first win of 2024, after a second half collapse against the Raiders in week two pushed the Ravens to 0-2 on the year. The Cowboys enter Sunday 1-1 after a 44-19 blowout loss to the Saints last Sunday.
The only Raven that has been ruled out is guard Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu (personal). Wide receiver/return specialist Deonte Harty (calf) practiced in full on Friday after being limited on Wednesday and Thursday and is listed as questionable. Outside linebacker David Ojabo (quad) is also listed as questionable after popping up on the injury report on Thursday, but did practice in full on Friday. Rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins (neck/concussion) missed last weeks game but practiced in limited capacity on Thursday and Friday and is also listed as questionable for Sunday.
As for the Cowboys defensive tackle Mazi Smith (back), tight end John Stephens (hamstring), and wide receiver Jalen Brooks (ankle) are all listed as questionable having being limited in practice on Friday.
Players to Watch:
Roger Rosengarten
Rookie right tackle Roger Rosengarten has continued to grow with each passing week as up to this point he has been in a rotation with utility offensive lineman Patrick Mekari. Rosengarten had his best game as a pro last week as he stymied Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby. With a big question mark at right guard for the Ravens Rosengarten’s performance last week may have carved out a starting role for the second round pick.
Rosengaren along with the rest of the Ravens offensive line will have their hands full as they look to slow down a Cowboys defense that has seven total sacks through two weeks. The Ravens have only allowed three sacks so far this season, but a large reason for that is quarterback Lamar Jackson to scramble. Rosengarten and the entire Ravens offensive line must hold up to give Jackson time in the pocket and create a push in the run game to have success on Sunday.
Micah Parsons
The Ravens offensive line has had to go through a gauntlet in weeks one and two as they had to face off against the Chiefs Chris Jones followed by the Raiders Maxx Crosby. Week three won’t be any easier as they get set to square off against Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons.
Parson’s has been relatively quiet through two weeks recording seven total tackles, and just one sack. But it’s what Parsons does that doesn’t show up on the stat sheet that can make him a game wrecker. The focus has to be on Parson’s which will give other Cowboys defenders the ability to impact the game. The Ravens will have their hands full no doubt with Parsons on Sunday.
Prediction
It might only be week three, but sitting at 0-2 in a tough AFC North, Sunday is shaping up to be a must win for the Ravens against the Cowboys. The key will be how well the Ravens can slow down the Cowboys passing attack that currently ranks 9th in the NFL averaging 224 passing yard through the first two weeks. As well as how effectively the Ravens can run against the Cowboys defense that gives up 141 rushing yards per game, 21st in the NFL.
Between those key factors and how well the Ravens are able to keep quarterback Lamar Jackson upright will be the deciding factors in who comes away with a win on Sunday. I think with so much emphasis being put on the Ravens offensive line coupled with the Cowboys inability to stop the run I expect a big day from the Ravens offense that currently ranks first in yards per game. I think the Ravens defense will be able to make quarterback Dak Prescott and the Cowboys offense mostly one dimensional allowing the Ravens to take control in the second half. The Ravens get a much needed win defeating the Cowboys 27-23.
Line: Baltimore -1
Over/Under: 47.5
All-Time Record: Baltimore leads series 5-1
Last Meeting: 12/8/20 Baltimore 34-17
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