Ravens — Broncos Week 9 preview: Where to watch, prediction
WEEK 9: Denver Broncos (5-3) at Baltimore Ravens (5-3)
When
Sunday, November 3rd at 1 p.m.
Where
M&T Bank Stadium (70,765)
Spread
Ravens are favored by 9 1/2 points (BetMGM Sportsbook)
How to Watch/Listen
Television: CBS / WJZ Channel 13 (Baltimore)
Radio: WBAL 1090 AM / 98Rock (97.9 FM) / SiriusXM Radio Channel 83 or 226
SERIES HISTORY
Ravens coach John Harbaugh is 6-3 against Denver, including the postseason. The Ravens are 10-6 all-time against the Broncos. Baltimore has won three straight against Denver, including a 10-9 contest at M&T Bank Stadium during the 2022 season.
NOTABLE
Running back Derrick Henry has scored at least one touchdown in all eight games this season, setting a new franchise record for the most consecutive games with a touchdown. The previous mark was set by running back Willis McGahee, who scored in seven straight games in 2007.
2024 RANKINGS
Ravens: Total Offense: 1; Total Defense: 25
Broncos: Total Offense: 25; Total Defense: 3
RAVENS’ GAME PLAN
Offense
Quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry carry the Ravens’ offense, which leads the league in yards (452.1 per game) and rushing (200.0 per game). The Ravens are also second in scoring, averaging 30.3 points per game.
Jackson is having another MVP-caliber season, throwing for 2,099 yards with 17 touchdowns and just two interceptions. He is also second on the team with 501 yards rushing. Henry leads the NFL with 946 yards rushing and nine touchdowns. He has also caught two scores. The Broncos’ defense has been stout and is ranked third in yards (282.6 yards per game) and points (15 per game).
The Broncos’ defense is led by safety Brandon Jones (61 tackles), outside linebacker Nik Bonitto (six sacks), and cornerback Patrick Surtain (three interceptions). Denver is adept at stopping the run and containing the pass, which makes this game an intriguing matchup.
Baltimore is expected to pound the ball with Henry. If the Broncos stack the box, Jackson will look to make plays downfield. The Ravens could activate newly signed wide receiver Diontae Johnson, who could give them a boost. Johnson is also capable of playing special teams.
Defense
The Broncos have gotten a lift from rookie quarterback Bo Nix, who has thrown for 1,530 yards with eight touchdowns and five interceptions. Nix could have success against the Ravens’ pass defense, which is ranked last in the NFL, allowing 291.4 yards per game. The Ravens’ secondary is having trouble coming up with turnovers because they have dropped several interceptions. Courtland Sutton leads Denver with 29 receptions for 377 yards with two touchdowns. Sutton could create matchup problems for the Ravens’ cornerbacks.
The Ravens allow just 69.9 yards rushing per game — the best mark in the NFL. However, they are dealing with several key injuries, including defensive end Brent Urban (concussion), nose tackle Michael Pierce (calf) and defensive tackle Travis Jones (ankle). The Broncos average 121.4 yards rushing per game with the duo of Jaleel McLaughlin and Javonte Williams, who could cause problems for the Ravens if they are shorthanded.
Prediction
Jackson is 7-0 in his career going head-to-head against rookie quarterbacks. He is also playing at the highest level of his career and should be able to move the ball against Denver. Nix is having success, but the Ravens will keep him under pressure and try to force mistakes. Baltimore’s secondary is determined to bounce back after last week’s dismal performance against the Browns.
RAVENS 24, BRONCOS 16