Las Vegas Raiders @ Baltimore Ravens - September 15, 2024

As I prepare for Sunday’s match-up at M&T Bank Stadium where the Las Vegas Raiders are set to face off against the Baltimore Ravens, I can’t help but feel the electricity in the air. The Ravens enter this contest as -8 point favorites, and while some may look at the line and expect a straightforward victory, the underlying numbers tell a more nuanced story.

Last week was tough for both teams. The Ravens fell short against the Chiefs with a 20-27 loss, unable to cover the spread as +2.5 point underdogs. Now, sitting on a 0-1 record, there’s a lot of pressure on them to bounce back at home. Meanwhile, the Raiders suffered a disheartening 10-22 loss to the Chargers, and are still searching for their first win of the season. With a defeat to start their campaign, they too face the heat of a critical early-season contest.

Looking at the statistics from the Ravens’ last game, they managed to average 20 points with 273 yards through the air. They had a respectable completion percentage of 63.4%, and a solid run game, showing an average of 185 rush yards at 6.7 yards per attempt. Their offensive prowess is undeniable, especially in their home environment. Baltimore has been strong historically in home games, boasting an 11-4 record in their last 15 and a solid 12-5 at M&T Bank Stadium over their last 17 outings.

On the other side, the Raiders are hoping for better luck this week. They struggled offensively, averaging just 10 points per game so far this season. Their passing game looked decent on paper, recording 257 yards with an impressive completion rate of 75.8%. However, their ground game was lackluster, managing only 71 yards, which has to be a point of concern as they head into Baltimore against a more aggressive defensive line.

When we consider the spread, it is hard to overlook that the Raiders are not only in desperate need of a win but have also shown resilience, posting a 4-1 record against the spread in their last five games. Even with their disappointing performance last week, it’s tough to count them out in a game where they are the underdog.

As we think about the total points for this game, I believe we may see the score fall under the 43.5 mark. Given both teams’ recent struggles to put points on the board, and the Ravens’ tendency to keep things close to the vest, this could turn into a low-scoring affair. With Baltimore’s defense and Las Vegas’s slow start to the season, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the game stay well under the total.

In the end, I’m predicting a Ravens victory, but with the Raiders covering the spread. Expect a gritty, hard-fought game that ultimately may struggle to hit those combined point totals. Fans should prepare for a clash that embodies the intensity of the NFL, where every yard and every point count.