Denver Broncos (5-3) will take on the Baltimore Ravens (5-3) this Sunday at 1 p.m. EST, broadcast on CBS. The Ravens are currently favored by 9 points according to BetMGM NFL Odds. In terms of performance relative to the spread, the Broncos have an impressive record of 6-2 while the Ravens sit at 4-3-1. Historically, Baltimore has a slight edge in their head-to-head meetings, leading the series 10-6. The last match-up saw the Ravens narrowly edge the Broncos with a score of 10-9 on December 4, 2022, in Baltimore.
Both teams came off contrasting results last week; the Broncos secured a solid victory against the Panthers with a 28-14 score, while the Ravens suffered a close defeat to the Browns, falling 29-24. Examining the statistics, the Broncos struggle offensively, ranking 25th overall with their rushing game at 14th and passing game at 27th. They hold the 20th position in scoring. Conversely, the Broncos’ defense has shown strength, ranking third overall, seventh against the rush, and fourth against the pass while holding a podium finish with the third-best scoring defense.
On the offensive side, the Ravens excel, ranking first in overall offense, rush, and second in scoring, with their passing game placed fifth. However, defensively, Baltimore shows vulnerabilities, ranking 25th in total defense, while their rush and pass defense are in first and 32nd respectively, with a scoring defense ranking of 26th. When it comes to turnover differentials, the Broncos are even, whereas the Ravens sit at plus-2.
A player to watch for the Broncos is OLB Nik Bonitto. The fourth-year player is experiencing a breakout year, recording a sack in six consecutive games, making it the lengthiest active streak in the NFL, and matching the longest such streak by a Broncos pass rusher since Von Miller in 2018. For the Ravens, S Kyle Hamilton had a slip-up in the last game with a dropped interception but remains a standout player for a struggling defense. This game presents an opportunity for him to redeem himself.
One of the key matchups to observe will be between Denver’s defensive line and Baltimore’s quarterback, Lamar Jackson. The two-time MVP is enjoying what may be his best season yet, boasting a passer rating of 115.4 and accumulating 501 rushing yards in eight games. Given Jackson’s efficiency against the blitz, it is vital for the Broncos to apply pressure without committing extra rushers. The Broncos have 30 sacks this season, placing them second in the league. Jackson, however, has faced some injury concerns this week with back and knee issues, leading to uncertainty as to whether he will be at full strength.
In terms of injuries, Broncos S P.J. Locke (thumb) and RT Mike McGlinchey (knee) are the most notable absentees for Denver. On the Ravens’ side, DE Brent Urban (concussion) missed practice recently, and CBs Marlon Humphrey (knee) and Nate Wiggins (shoulder/illness) were limited in their participation.
Historically, the Ravens have been dominant in recent meetings, winning the last three contests. Notably, in their last clash, Jackson suffered a knee injury, pausing his play for the remainder of that season, although the Ravens still came out on top. Remarkably, Baltimore triumphed over Denver in a thrilling double-overtime playoff game 38-35 at the end of the 2012 season.
Both teams have remarkably found their footing after sluggish starts to the season, winning five of their last six games following 0-2 beginnings. Rookie QB Bo Nix for the Broncos has been impressive as he has thrown eight touchdown passes while limiting interceptions to just five and being sacked only 11 times. His performance against the Panthers last week earned him a career-best passer rating of 124.2, marking the highest for any Broncos rookie QB. Additionally, Nix had a standout October, leading the league in touchdown passes among rookies with seven. Noteworthy Broncos performances include TE Adam Trautman, who had a career-best 85 receiving yards, and TE Nate Adkins, who secured his first career touchdown last week. Denver has also managed to rush for over 100 yards in six consecutive games, marking their best performance in this category since 2017-18.
As for the Ravens, they have demonstrated remarkable consistency, scoring at least 20 points and accumulating a minimum of 375 yards in their initial eight games, joining an elite group of historic teams. They also boast a 41-game streak of rushing for at least 100 yards, just shy of tying the record. Additionally, RB Derrick Henry is nearing another milestone with only 54 yards needed for his sixth 1,000-yard rushing season, having scored in all games so far. Baltimore’s defense has demonstrated resilience, notching a sack in 46 straight games—the longest active streak in the league.
From a fantasy perspective, Broncos WR Courtland Sutton could be a valuable pick, as he’s coming off his first 100-yard receiving game since Week 2 of 2022, coinciding with a less-than-stellar Ravens secondary.
This upcoming matchup promises to be an engaging contest as both teams look to solidify their positions in the playoff race.