The first week of the NFL season ends on Monday night as the league finally gets to show off Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Last year the Raiders were not allowed to host a packed stadium of fans, so the Monday Night Football showcase against the Baltimore Ravens will be the first regular season game with fans. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET, and the game will be broadcast on ESPN.
The Ravens and Raiders have met 12 times since Baltimore joined the NFL in the late 1990s. Baltimore holds a 9-3 lead, and they have won two straight but have never played in Las Vegas. The teams last met in 2018 in Baltimore; a 34-17 win, and the Ravens won in Oakland 30-17 in 2017.
Ravens Bit By Injury Bug
The preseason didn’t go according to plan for John Harbaugh, and the Ravens as key players kept going down. Running backs J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, and Justice Hill were all lost to season-ending injuries, as was defensive back Marcus Peters. The Ravens were left scrambling to fill roster spots as recently as Friday to replace their injured players.
At running back, the Ravens have inked veterans Latavius Murray, Le’Veon Bell, and Devonta Freeman. Second-year back Ty’Son Williams may get the start as the other three are all new to the offense, and not all will be active for Monday night.
Former MVP Lamar Jackson can pick up the rushing slack as well as leads the entire run-happy offense. Baltimore attempted for more balance in 2020 but still led the league in rushing, and Jackson provides that dual-threat on every play.
The defense takes a step back without Peters, a three-time Pro Bowler. They still have All-Pro Marlon Humphrey on the other side at cornerback but will need players to step up in replacing Peters. The line can help by pressuring the quarterback, and Justin Houston was brought in this season to help Calais Campbell and Derek Wolfe.
Raiders Looking To Make a Statement
The Raiders spent the off-season working on their offensive line in an effort to help the run game and keep Derek Carr upright. Rodney Hudson, Gabe Jackson, and Trent Brown are out, while John Simpson, Andre James, and rookie Alex Leatherwood are in. They will be tested immediately against a stout Ravens defense looking for force turnovers.
Josh Jacobs isn’t 100 percent healthy, and Kenyan Drake is ready to go if the Raiders starter can’t carry the load on Monday. Tight end Darren Waller is a star, while Carr has a talented young trio of wide receivers in Henry Ruggs III, Hunter Renfroe, and Bryan Edwards.
On defense, the Raiders brought in Yannick Ngakoue to pair with Maxx Crosby on the front line for new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley. Last season they averaged 30 points per game allowed and also brought in K.J Wright to support the front four. Las Vegas has a young but talented secondary who can ballhawk if the pressure is put on quarterbacks.
Baltimore Ravens at Las Vegas Raiders Betting Analysis
Baltimore Ravens -4 (-110). -200 Money Line
Las Vegas Raiders +4 (-110). +170 Money Line
Total: 50.5 points. Over -105, Under -115.
The Ravens are 5-0 in the last five openers with a combined win total of 177-26. Overall they are 11-3 under Harbaugh in week one, and they match up nicely with the Raiders defense. Raider Nation will be loud, and Las Vegas has the weapons to keep up with the Ravens, and this game may come down to whoever has the ball last.
FREE PICK: Over 50.5 points (-105)
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