Baltimore Ravens vs Dallas Cowboys (BAL -1, 47.5)
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Baltimore Ravens vs Dallas Cowboys
The Baltimore Ravens currently rank number one in the NFL in total yardage per game, putting up a stunning 417.5 yards on average through the first two games of the season. They are one of the best teams on the ground, especially with Lamar looking threatening as ever as a runner, accompanied by the signing of Derrick Henry in the backfield.
The Ravens 168 rushing yards per game is good for 7th in the league, while ranking third in yards per rush, at an average of 5.7 yards per carry.
But the defense is struggling, leaking yards and points and ultimately conceding losses in games they perhaps should have won. The Ravens left it too late in Week 1 against Kansas City, and then squandered a lead against the Las Vegas Raiders in embarrassing fashion last time out.
Defensive coordinator Zach Orr was promoted following the departure of Mike MacDonald to Seattle, and there appears to be some growing pains when it comes to maintaining that high level performance we’re so used to seeing from the Baltimore defensive unit.
The Cowboys’ second game wasn’t one to remember either, taking a beating from the New Orleans Saints in their own stadium. It does look like New Orleans are just that good at this point in the season, but the Cowboys have to be disappointed with the turnovers, and how badly they were dominated on the ground.
Rico Dowdle and the Cowboys committee, including Zeke Elliott, are so far proving to be one of the poorest performing running back groups in the league. They’re 26th in yards per rush and 25th in rushing yards per game, almost confirming the fears fans had about the group before the season began. That applies more pressure to Dak Prescott, who threw two picks on Sunday against the Saints in the 44-19 loss.
Both defenses are struggling so far this year, with Dallas allowing 30.5 points per game (30th), and 85% redzone scoring, ranking dead last in the NFL. Mike Zimmer accepted the blame for the defense’s faults, but it certainly seems like they’re missing Dan Quinn so far this season.
While both teams have underachieved so far this year, Sunday’s game is expected to be a close one. The Ravens are favored by 1 point, while the point spread sits at 48 points, and both of these teams are 2-0 on overs so far this year. With defenses that are yet to figure it out, and explosive offense being a factor, the over for this game is certainly one to watch.
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