In a meeting between teams with identical records, the Ravens (5-3) host the Denver Broncos (5-3) in Week 9.
Basics
Kickoff: Sunday, 1 p.m., M&T Bank Stadium
TV: WJZ Channel 13 (Baltimore), WUSA Channel 9 (Washington), and more. CBS crew: Jim Nantz (play-by-play), Tony Romo (analyst), Tracy Wolfson (sideline)
Radio: WBAL (101.5 FM/1090 AM), 98 Rock (97.9 FM), SiriusXM Radio Ch. 83 or 226. Ravens crew: Gerry Sandusky (play-by-play), Torrey Smith (analyst). Sports USA Radio: Josh Appel (play-by-play), Giovani Bernard (analyst)
History
The Ravens hold a 10-6 edge over Denver, including regular season and playoffs. They last met in 2022 when the Ravens prevailed, 10-9, in Baltimore. Lamar Jackson left the game after the first quarter with a knee injury that ended his season in Week 13. Tyler Huntley took over at quarterback and led Baltimore on a 91-yard game-winning drive, capped by his 2-yard touchdown run with 28 seconds remaining.
The most notable matchup between these teams came in the 2012 playoffs, when the Ravens won a double overtime thriller on their way to Super Bowl XLVII. The late great Jacoby Jones caught the "Mile High Miracle" with under a minute remaining to tie the game.
Stakes
The Ravens trail the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2) in the AFC North and want to avoid losing ground while Pittsburgh enjoys a bye in Week 9. Baltimore is looking to rebound from a Week 8 loss in Cleveland that ended a five-game winning streak. The Broncos were picked by many pundits to finish last in the AFC West but have won five of their last six and are challenging for a playoff spot.
Key Storylines
Can the Ravens fix their defensive woes?
Baltimore enters Week 9 ranked last in pass defense and 25th overall, and shuffling the secondary rotation against Cleveland didn't help. The Ravens have had issues getting lined up properly and are making mistakes in coverage. That could be costly against the Broncos, who have an experienced play caller in Head Coach Sean Payton who knows how to exploit weaknesses.
Will Baltimore continue its dominance against rookie quarterbacks?
Since 2008, Baltimore is 19-2 against rookie quarterbacks at M&T Bank Stadium. However, Broncos first-round pick Bo Nix was named NFL Rookie of the Month for October and has thrown for seven touchdowns with just one interception in his last four games. In addition to throwing accurately, Nix has the mobility to escape pressure and extend plays. The Ravens had their hands full with Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels earlier this season, despite winning that game. Nix is another rookie who's unlikely to wilt against Baltimore's defense.
How much will injuries hurt the Ravens' chances?
Lamar Jackson (back/knee), Travis Jones (ankle), Broderick Washington (knee), and Brent Urban (concussion) all missed practice time this week while Michael Pierce (calf) was placed on injured reserve. The Ravens may have to lean on backups. Denver is ranked 14th in rushing, but leading ball carrier Javonte Williams (345 yards, two touchdowns) may see more carries than usual against Baltimore's banged-up line.
Here are five matchups to look out for in Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos.
WR Zay Flowers vs. CB Patrick Surtain II
Surtain is one of the game's top cornerbacks and is facing a red-hot Flowers, who has three 100-yard games in the last four weeks. In a matchup between Baltimore's high-powered offense and Denver's stout defense, the battle between Flowers and Surtain is the main course.
ILB Roquan Smith vs. QB Bo Nix
Nix is heating up midway through his rookie season as he has the Broncos at 5-3 and was named the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Month for October. He had a season-high 284 passing yards and four total touchdowns last week against the Carolina Panthers and is proving to be a mobile quarterback. With Smith in the middle, there should be some matchups both in the pass and run game between the two.
LT Ronnie Stanley vs. OLB Nik Bonitto
Bonitto leads the Broncos with six sacks, and he will jump around from the left and right sides of the line. His matchups with Stanley will be fun to watch with Stanley playing as reliable as ever in 2024. The Broncos are third in the NFL with 30 sacks, so stopping their pass-rushers will be a high priority on Sunday.
DT Nnamdi Madubuike vs. RB Javonte Williams
The Ravens are thin on the defensive line with Michael Pierce on injured reserve and Travis Jones, Broderick Washington, and Brent Urban all dealing with injuries. Denver will want to get its run game going with Williams, who has 345 rushing yards and two scores, but Madubuike will play a huge role in trying to stifle the rush attack.
CB Brandon Stephens vs. WR Courtland Sutton
Sutton leads the Broncos with 377 receiving yards and will face a Ravens secondary that's trying to get on track. Stephens has been sticky in coverage for most of the season, but receivers are coming down with impressive grabs. With his big frame, Sutton is adept at making contested catches. With cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins likely returning on Sunday, this is a big opportunity for Baltimore's defensive backs.
Players to Watch
RB Derrick Henry
When Henry rushes for at least 90 yards, the Ravens are 5-0. When he doesn't, they are 0-3. The Broncos have a solid defense ranked 3rd overall, but Henry will be the toughest assignment Denver's run defense has faced.
DT Nnamdi Madubuike
The All-Pro is seeing plenty of double-teams this season, and he may be asked to play more snaps than usual considering the questionable health of Baltimore's defensive line. It will be important for Madubuike to make his presence felt as both a run-stopper and pass rusher.
TE Mark Andrews
All four of Andrews' touchdowns this season have come during the last three games. He's caught all nine passes thrown to him over the last two games. Andrews is cooking and his presence could be key in helping the Ravens finish drives in the red zone against Denver's tough defense.
