Las Vegas Raiders vs. Baltimore Ravens: Key Insights Into NFL Week 2 Matchup

Las Vegas Raiders vs. Baltimore Ravens Game Preview

The Las Vegas Raiders meet the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday afternoon, with both teams looking to bounce back from disappointing season-opening losses. The host Ravens are installed as the biggest favorites of Week 2. Baltimore is still feeling the pain of being on the wrong end of the game of inches expression after coming up agonizingly short of a potential game-tying touchdown last Thursday against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The painful ending overshadowed what was otherwise a promising debut for the Ravens’ new one-two punch of two-time MVP Lamar Jackson and two-time league rushing champion Derrick Henry. The duo combined for 168 rushing yards, with Jackson also throwing for 273 as Baltimore outgained Kansas City by 99 yards in the 27-20 loss.

Matchup Analysis

Jackson finished with more rushing yards (122) and carries (16) than Henry (46 yards with a touchdown on 13 attempts), but these roles may be reversed this Sunday. Expect a heavy dose of Henry handoffs against a Raiders defense that yielded 6.5 yards per carry to the Chargers in their 22-10 road loss.

Meanwhile, Las Vegas also needs to maximize its offensive opportunities. The Raiders produced 296 total yards against the Chargers but were 5-for-14 on third down and only made it into the red zone once. Gardner Minshew was fairly effective (25-for-33, 257 passing yards) in his first start for his new team, but four sacks and a pair of turnovers short-circuited too many drives. The ground game (3.2 yards per carry) also offered minimal help.

Looking Ahead

Both of these teams are 0-1, but don’t let the records fool you. The gap between the Raiders and Ravens isn’t measured by inches, and that should be obvious on Sunday.

Las Vegas Raiders at Baltimore Ravens Odds

• Venue: M&T Bank Stadium — Baltimore
• Time: 1 p.m. ET, Sunday
• TV: CBS
• Streaming: Expert picks for Raiders vs. Ravens

Read more about NFL Week 2.