Both the Dallas Cowboys and the Baltimore Ravens need to make amends in different ways going into their Week 3 meeting. There is a slight margin of victory on the road for the winless Ravens, making this game nearly a pick ’em.
Problems? The Cowboys are not interested in learning about the issues in Baltimore. The Saints crushed Dallas 44-19 in their home opener last Sunday. The Cowboys gave up over 400 yards with good balance both in the air and on the ground in that humiliating loss.
Regarding defense, that is the issue facing Mike McCarthy, who is currently in his fifth season in Dallas and has yet to win a playoff game. McCarthy is undoubtedly in hot water, and he might have to rely even more on the arm of the quarterback Dak Prescott, who was just signed back. But Prescott and the Cowboys will need better than an 81.4 passer rating, particularly when facing Baltimore’s tenacious defense.
The Ravens need to stop destroying themselves. The team has the second-worst penalty total in the league with 173 yards. After two games, Baltimore has performed well enough to win both of them. A couple 2-0 clubs, including Kansas City, are behind them in the league’s net yard differential rankings. Is it possible to blame luck? At least somewhat: the two turnovers committed by the Ravens were a blind side strip sack and an erroneous interception. They are fourth in first downs and first in yards among NFL teams. Not Lamar Jackson is the issue.
The Ravens, who entered the game ranked worst in opponent passing yards, must strengthen their pass defense. However, it is unclear how to make improvements: The roster is the roster. John Harbaugh has a history of playing linebacker and secondary play with aggression. It might not be a good idea for someone with less skill to use this strategy against Prescott.
Baltimore Ravens at Dallas Cowboys odds
How to watch Ravens at Cowboys
- Venue: AT&T Stadium — Arlington, Tex.
- Time: 4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday
- TV: FOX
- Streaming: Fubo (try for free)
Expert picks for Ravens at Cowboys
Read more about NFL Week 3
Playoff forecasts: The field is predicted by the Athletic model.
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Which 0–2 teams ought to be alarmed? Model predicts Ravens, Bengals, and other teams’ prospects of making the playoffs.
(Photo of Lamar Jackson: Rob Carr / Getty Images)
