Basics
Kickoff: Sunday, 1 p.m., M&T Bank Stadium
TV: WJZ Channel 13 (Baltimore), WUSA Channel 9 (Washington), CBS, and more. CBS crew: Andrew Catalon (play-by-play), Tiki Barber (analyst), A.J. Ross (sideline)
Radio: WBAL (1090 AM), 98 Rock (97.9 FM). Ravens crew: Gerry Sandusky (play-by-play), Rod Woodson (analyst). Sirius XM Radio Ch. 85 or 225
History
The Ravens lead the all-time series, 8-4, in the regular season. Their last meeting was in 2021, when Baltimore lost a 33-27 overtime decision in Las Vegas to open the year. Lamar Jackson completed 19 of 30 passes for 235 yards and a touchdown and ran for 86 yards. Maxx Crosby had two sacks and five quarterback hits for the Raiders.
The Ravens led most of the game, but Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson booted a game-tying 55-yard field goal with two seconds left to force overtime, and Zay Jones scored a 31-yard touchdown for a Raiders win in the opening of Allegiant Stadium. Current Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II beat the Ravens in Baltimore last season as the starter of the Indianapolis Colts, prevailing also in overtime, 22-19.
Stakes
The Ravens have a tough early-season schedule and need to get in the win column. Baltimore hasn't lost two straight games since the 2022 season and hasn't started 0-2 since 2015. The Raiders have missed the playoffs six of the past seven seasons, and Head Coach Antonio Pierce took some criticism for his decision-making in Week 1. Upsetting the Ravens would be a major lift for the Raiders, while another loss for Baltimore would make for a long drive home.
Key Storylines
Will John Harbaugh's success in home openers continue?
The Ravens are 13-3 under Harbaugh in home openers, and many haven't been close. They've won seven of the last eight by a margin of 244-129. Baltimore prides itself on starting the season fast and should be snarling after the Week 1 heartbreaking loss to Kansas City. The Ravens had extra time to prepare after playing last Thursday, while the Raiders will be making a long trip and were 0-4 in the Eastern time zone last season. If the Ravens start their home schedule with their typical intensity, they'll be difficult to defeat.
Can the Ravens keep Maxx Crosby and Davante Adams in check?
Big games from Crosby and Adams would increase the Raiders' chances to pull off the upset. Crosby has 28 sacks since the start of 2022, and he'll be a major test for Baltimore's revamped offensive line. Adams has four straight seasons with at least 1,100 yards receiving. The Ravens may have the NFL's most talented secondary, but they had a coverage mistake in Week 1 that led to a touchdown and will need to tighten up against Adams.
Is the Raiders' run defense ready for Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson?
The Raiders gave up 176 yards on the ground in Week 1 and could not contain former Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins (10 carries, 135 yards). Henry's legs will be fresh after getting just 13 carries against the Chiefs. Jackson, who had 122 yards rushing on 16 carries against Kansas City, is a dangerous runner even when he doesn't carry it so often. Baltimore has rushed for at least 100 yards in 34 straight games. The Raiders need to figure out their run defense, or this Sunday could be difficult for them.
Players to Watch
TE Isaiah Likely
Likely is coming off a dazzling performance (9 catches, 111 yards, one touchdown) and has three straight games with a touchdown reception of at least 25 yards. He's making huge plays on a regular basis and has become a go-to target for Jackson in big spots.
LT Ronnie Stanley
Stanley grew up in Las Vegas and will have family and friends watching. Stanley disagreed with being whistled for three illegal formation penalties in Week 1 but played well overall. The Ravens will need Stanley to avoid the flags and continue doing a strong job protecting Jackson's blindside.
DT Nnamdi Madubuike
Madubuike recently changed his name, but his ability to dominate has remained the same. Since Week 4 of last season, Madubuike has 13 games with at least a half-sack. One of the Raiders' top priorities will be finding a way to keep Madubuike from blowing up plays in the backfield.
