The Baltimore Ravens welcome the Washington Commanders to town in week six in the battle of the beltway. Both teams are off to hot starts as the Ravens are coming off their third straight win defeating the Cincinnati Bengals last Sunday 41-38 in overtime. While the Commander, winners of four straight, defeated the Cleveland Browns 34-13 in week five.
Its the battle of young quarterbacks as Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson leads the MVP discussion while Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is taking the NFL world by storm in just his rookie season.
Entering week six the Ravens without linebacker Malik Harrison (groin), defensive tackle Broderick Washington (knee), and Arthur Maulet (knee/hamstring) as he continues to work back off of injured reserve. Offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley (toe) and Sala Aumavae-Laulu (back) were both limited in practice on Friday and are listed as questionable. Cornerback Marlon Humphrey (ankle) who was also limited in practice on Friday is also listed as questionable. Rookie running back Rasheen Ali (neck) is listed as questionable, but was activated off injured reserve to the 53-man roster and is expected to make is NFL debut on Sunday.
The Commanders will be without safety Tyler Owens (shin) and linebacker Jordan Magee (knee). The biggest injury news for the Commanders whoever is they will be without young star running back Brian Robinson Jr. (knee). Robinson who has 325 rushing yards and five touchdowns already this season, did not practice all this week and is a huge blow to this Commanders offense.
Players to Watch:
Marcus Williams
Its been tough sledding for the Ravens secondary through the first part of the season, and the same can be said for Ravens safety Marcus Williams. Williams struggles in 2024 have been on full display due to the Ravens pass defense ranking nearly last in the NFL. Through the first 5 weeks Williams has just two pass deflections while the secondary has given up nine passing touchdowns, eight most on the NFL.
Injuries has largely derailed Williams time thus far in Baltimore, but the hope is he can return to the safety Ravens fans saw in the first few weeks of 2021where he had three interceptions in the first two weeks. Williams will look to get on track this Sunday as he faces off against a high scoring Commanders offense.
Jayden Daniels
Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has been the talk of the league as he has resurrected this franchise, and made the Commanders offense into one of the best in the NFL. Daniels through five weeks 227 yards passing while throwing four touchdowns to two interceptions. Daniels much like his opponent Lamar Jackson also has the unique ability to make plays with his legs has he has 300 rushing yards averaging 60 yards rushing per game.
Daniels will pose a different challenge to this Ravens defense as he has shown he can pick defenses apart despite his rookie status. The Ravens secondary will need to step up and do its part and make up for their poor showing last Sunday.
Prediction
Sunday’s contest is expected to be full of fireworks with two electrifying offenses that rank first and second in points scored per game, along with two electrifying quarterbacks going head to head. Coupled with the fact that neither teams has impressed much on the defensive side of the ball. The Commander rank 21st in rush defense giving up 130 yards on the ground per game. While the Ravens have been torched through the air giving just over 282 yards per game 31st in the NFL.
I expect some high scoring however it will only be from one team. While Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has been nothing short of spectacular through the first five weeks. The strength of schedule thus far for the Commanders gives me pause. Along with the level in which the Ravens offense is playing right now despite how bad the Ravens defense has been. With that being said the Ravens track record against rookie quarterbacks speaks for itself, as the Ravens are 26-7 under head coach John Harbaugh. Give me the Ravens 42-26.
Line: Baltimore -7
Over/Under: 51.5
All-Time Record: Baltimore leads series 4-3
Last Meeting: 10/4/20 Baltimore 31-17
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