The Las Vegas Raiders’ 2024 season acquired off to an underwhelming begin in Week 1 with a 22-10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Gardner Minshew’s offense seemed uneven in enemy territory, and the protection may solely maintain agency for thus lengthy earlier than Justin Herbert acquired the perfect of it. However now, the Raiders face an much more daunting problem as they fly throughout the nation to tackle Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens.
The Ravens suffered a brutal Week 1 loss within the NFL season opener in opposition to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs. Regardless of taking part in a poor offensive sport all through the evening, Baltimore had an opportunity to tie or take the lead within the ultimate seconds when Jackson fired a laser to tight finish Isaiah Possible within the endzone. Possible got here down with the catch however had one toe out of bounds, leading to a 27-20 loss.
However make no mistake, the Ravens are undoubtedly the most effective groups in soccer, giving the Raiders a large Week 2 problem. They’re loaded with expertise on the offensive facet of the ball, beginning with a two-time MVP in Jackson, but in addition Derrick Henry, Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews, Possible and an unbelievable offensive line.
Celebrity edge rusher Maxx Crosby could have his work lower out for him attempting to get to the quarterback. Crosby had three QB hits and a sack in opposition to Herbert final Sunday, however the Raiders have been largely held in examine by the Chargers’ offensive line that includes first-round draft choose Joe Alt. They’ll must work to generate stress in opposition to a good higher line and quicker QB.
Minshew was environment friendly in his capacity to achieve yards however couldn’t convert that to factors when it mattered. The Ravens are flooded with expertise of their secondary, together with Kyle Hamilton, Marlon Humphrey, and Marcus Williams. This places some stress on Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers and Brock Bowers to seek out the smooth spots in a troublesome protection.
Head coach Antonio Pierce is searching for his first win with the interim tag faraway from his title, and doing so in Baltimore could be a large upset.
The Ravens are favored to win this Week 2 battle with a minus-9 unfold and an over/below set at 41.5.
Las Vegas Raiders (0-1) vs. Baltimore Ravens (0-1)
Sunday, September 15, 10:00 a.m. PSTM&T Financial institution Stadium, Baltimore, MarylandTV: CBS
