WEEK 7: Ravens (4-2) at Buccaneers (4-2)
When
Monday, October 21st at 8:15 p.m.
Where
Raymond James Stadium (65,000)
Spread
Ravens are favored by 3 1/2 points (BetMGM Sportsbook)
How to Watch/Listen
Television: ESPN / WBAL Channel 11 (Local Baltimore)
National Radio: Westwood One Sports
Local Radio: WBAL 1090 AM / 98Rock (97.9 FM) / SiriusXM Radio Channel 85 or 225
SERIES HISTORY
Ravens coach John Harbaugh is 4-0 against Tampa Bay. Baltimore is 5-2 all time against the Buccaneers, including a 27-22 win in Florida the last time the teams met on October 27th, 2022.
NOTABLE
Only two teams in NFL history have averaged at least 200 rushing yards and 200 passing yards through a season’s first six games — the 2024 Ravens and 2019 Ravens.
2024 RANKINGS
Ravens: Total Offense: 1; Total Defense: 16
Buccaneers: Total Offense: 9; Total Defense: 26
RAVENS’ GAME PLAN
Offense
The Ravens are led by two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry, who was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week for the second time in three weeks. Henry leads the NFL with 704 yards rushing. He is also the first player since Pro Football Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson in 2005 with a rushing touchdown in each of his team’s first six games.
The Ravens will be aggressive in running the ball against the Buccaneers, who allow 113.3 yards rushing per game — ranked 11th in the NFL. Tampa Bay linebacker Lavonte David is a key run-stopper and he leads the team with 46 tackles. Jackson is also a threat to pick up yards running the ball and Justice Hill is having a solid season, averaging 4.8 yards per carry.
The Buccaneers will be careful stacking the box to contain the Ravens’ running game because Jackson has shown he can beat teams through the air. In addition, Tampa Bay’s pass defense is among the worst in the NFL, allowing 252.3 yards per game. Linebacker Lavonte David, defensive lineman Logan Hall and nose tackle Vita Vea have been effective in getting to the quarterback and have three sacks apiece. Cornerback Zyon McCollum has two interceptions.
Defense
Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield knows the Ravens well from his time in Cleveland. Baker is performing much better for the Buccaneers than he did with the Browns. He has completed 134 of 189 passes for 1,489 yards with 15 touchdowns and five interceptions in six games.
The Ravens’ pass defense has been their weakness and they are ranked 31st in the NFL, allowing 275.7 yards per game. Baltimore’s secondary will be challenged to contain Tampa Bay’s two strong wide receivers — Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. Godwin leads the team with 43 receptions for 511 yards with five touchdowns. Evans has caught 25 passes for 310 yards with five scores. The Ravens might have to employ nickel and dime packages to defend the Buccaneers’ passing game. Baltimore’s cornerbacks will have a tough time matching up man-to-man against Godwin and Evans.
No team has been able to effectively run against the Ravens this season. The Ravens are ranked No. 1 in the NFL, allowing 59.0 yards rushing per game. The team’s stout defensive front seven led by Nnamdi Madubuike, Travis Jones, and Michael Pierce has dominated opposing offensive lines. Harbaugh credited the other three parts of the defense — linebackers, ends, and the secondary — with helping contain the run. The Buccaneers are led by Bucky Irving, who has 328 yards rushing with two touchdowns. Irving will be hard-pressed to have success against the Ravens, and Tampa Bay will have to throw the ball to score.
Prediction
This game could turn into a shootout and there should be plenty of Ravens fans in attendance at Raymond James Stadium. Lamar Jackson is 22-1 against NFC opponents, the best mark by a quarterback against an opposing conference in NFL history. Jackson is also 2-0 against Tampa Bay. The Ravens’ offense can match up with any team and the defense will need to get some key stops on defense, but they have the advantage in this game.
