A 3-0 team that’s beaten opponents with a combined 0-10 record hosting a 2-1 squad only a play away from being undefeated or two plays away from potentially being winless?
Welcome to the NFL.
We truly don’t know what to make of the Ravens or Broncos through the first three weeks of the season, which is what makes this meeting in Denver that much more interesting. Baltimore has played three games with outcomes decided in the final moments while the Broncos own double-digit wins over three of the worst teams in the league.
Both teams have also endured a rough run of injuries that could certainly impact the outcome on Sunday.
It’s time to go on the record as these teams meet for the first time since 2018 with the all-time regular-season series tied 6-6. The Ravens are 1-5 in regular-season games at Mile High with that victory coming 20 years ago, but you might recall them prevailing in a fairly important January game in Denver nearly nine years ago.
Below are five predictions for Sunday afternoon:
1. Marquise Brown will catch a touchdown to put last week’s disastrous performance behind him. An “unacceptable” Week 3 shouldn’t completely wipe away the late-season growth we saw from the former first-round pick in 2020 and his first two games of the new season, but it’s critical for Brown to quickly put the memory of dropping multiple potential touchdowns behind him. For that reason, Greg Roman will create a few high-percentage opportunities for Brown to get involved early in the game after he was targeted just once in the second half of the win at Detroit. The worst thing Lamar Jackson and a passing game lacking other explosive options could do is shy away from Brown, and I don’t expect the Ravens to do that on Sunday.
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2. Denver running backs Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams will both find the end zone. While much was made about Detroit defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn receiving calls around the league on how to slow the Ravens offense — multiple Baltimore drops were apparently part of his master plan — Lions offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn picking on Ravens linebackers in coverage and open space in the second half is the blueprint opponents should copy until further notice. The Ravens need better from Patrick Queen, Malik Harrison, and Tyus Bowser, so you should expect Broncos offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur to recognize that with Gordon and Williams factoring more heavily as receivers out of the backfield to slow Baltimore’s blitz and put stress on those linebackers.
3. Calais Campbell and Von Miller will dominate in this one and each collect at least one sack. Denver won’t have starting right guard Graham Glasgow and may also be without left guard Dalton Risner, which is bad news for an interior line trying to contain a very disruptive Campbell. The 35-year-old has more than picked up the slack with so many others on the defensive line missing action early this season and is overdue for his first quarterback takedown of 2021. Meanwhile, Miller has looked as dangerous as ever returning from injury and will be licking his chops lining up against Patrick Mekari and Alejandro Villanueva, who was limited with a knee issue all week. Look for the eight-time Pro Bowl selection to line up on Jackson’s blindside more often than normal to try to take advantage of Villanueva.
4. Jimmy Smith will grab the first 2021 interception thrown by Broncos quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. Denver doesn’t have explosive receivers Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler, but Courtland Sutton and ex-Raven Tim Patrick are 6-foot-4 receivers who will still pose no shortage of challenges. Smith’s presence looms large this week with DeShon Elliott (quad) unlikely to play and Anthony Averett sustaining a late-week ankle injury to put his availability in question. You’d rather not have to lean on the 33-year-old Smith to play extensive snaps at outside corner or safety after he just returned from a lengthy absence last week, but Wink Martindale may not have a choice. After doing nice work to limit Detroit’s T.J. Hockenson, Smith will get a pick when Bridgewater tries to force one to tight end Noah Fant.
5. In an uneven performance against a tough defense, Jackson will find a way with a late touchdown run to secure a 24-20 victory. The star quarterback was a full participant on Friday and will play against the Broncos, but missing two days of practice with a cranky back is never ideal, especially when preparing for a Vic Fangio defense sure to offer wrinkles and plenty of challenges despite facing Jackson for the first time. Denver’s defense has good players all over the place with safeties Kareem Jackson and Justin Simmons being key in trying to contain a ground attack that’s still finding its way and prevent Jackson and the Ravens from hitting on any deep shots. Bridgewater is off to an excellent start and has been very effective against pressure over the first three weeks, but this Ravens defense — its maddening lack of consistency and all — poses a greater challenge than what he’s seen to this point in 2021. Baltimore will win another coin-flip outcome in a game that shows Denver deserves to be taken seriously in the AFC playoff picture and reminds of the Ravens’ pedigree to win another road game despite so many early injuries.
