GAME TIME:
12:00:00 PM, September 15, 2024

SPORT/LEAGUE:
NFL

TEAMS:
Raider
Ravens

PROP BET:
Ravens -8 (-110)

UNIT: 1.0

ANALYSIS:

After a late-season surge in 2023 that earned Raiders' interim head coach Antonio Pierce a full-time position, their 2024 campaign is off to a rocky start. The offense looked sluggish in last week’s loss to the Chargers, with new quarterback Gardner Minshew struggling to find a rhythm. Minshew, while a solid backup, seems less suited for the full-time starting role, and his inefficiencies were on full display.

Meanwhile, the Ravens' 0-1 start feels different. They came within an inch of forcing a game-winning two-point conversion against the Chiefs as time expired. Lamar Jackson, playing his first snaps of the season after sitting out the preseason, had already shaken off any rust by the opening drive, leading Baltimore to a quick score.

Baltimore certainly hasn’t forgotten that Minshew, then with the Colts, led an overtime upset against them at M&T Bank Stadium last season. Expect the Ravens to be much more prepared this time around.

The Raiders' decision to roll with Minshew as their starter for 2024 is looking increasingly questionable. While Minshew’s grit and determination make him a great backup, relying on him for a full season could be a mistake. The last time these teams met was in 2021, with the Raiders pulling off a 33-27 overtime win. But that was with Derek Carr under center, not Minshew.

Lamar Jackson, despite a tough loss to Kansas City, put up strong numbers, passing for 273 yards with no interceptions and adding 122 rushing yards. Derrick Henry was quiet in the opener, but expect him to play a larger role this week. The Ravens should cover the spread comfortably.

While the Ravens lost a heartbreaker at Kansas City, the Raiders’ lack of urgency was evident. Down six, with seven minutes left, they failed to convert a fourth-and-1 in Chargers territory, a decision that sums up their lack of motivation. Baltimore, on the other hand, comes in focused and with a clear edge in preparation after extra time off.

The Raiders’ defensive front has been hit hard by injuries. Malcolm Koonce, who recorded eight sacks last season, is already out, and Week 1 saw Tyree Wilson (last year’s No. 7 overall pick) sprain his knee. With Maxx Crosby as the lone threat, Baltimore’s O-line should be able to manage.

Defensively, the Ravens are poised to shut down a Raiders offense that their head coach seems to lack confidence in. Jackson should have enough firepower to win by double digits. Safety Kyle Hamilton, who was quiet in Kansas City, is a strong candidate to shine against Minshew and the Raiders’ shaky offense.

Results

Pick Made 7:30:00 AM, September 15, 2024