The Atlanta Falcons have made a few splashy moves in recent days, but can they overcome a Baltimore Ravens team that’s been historically impressive during exhibition matchups?
Even without Lamar Jackson, our Falcons vs. Ravens predictions see the home side being too strong for the Falcons. Don’t miss our NFL picks for today's preseason action.
Falcons vs Ravens prediction
My best bet
Ravens -1 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
The Baltimore Ravens have been inexplicably good during the preseason under John Harbaugh. Since he took over as head coach in 2008, Baltimore has won 74.6% of its preseason games.
However, they’ve dropped three straight preseason games dating back to last season and while they aren’t in dire need of a win, they should be able to pull one off against the visiting Atlanta Falcons.
Without Jackson, journeyman backup Josh Johnson is set to start and will likely play much of the first half. He struggled last week against the Eagles but should be able to do a little more damage against an Atlanta defense that isn’t expected to play many key players.
Falcons' new head coach Raheem Morris comes from the Los Angeles Rams, and Sean McVay is known for rarely playing important players in the preseason. Last week, in Morris’ first preseason game as head coach, Atlanta fell 20-13 to the Dolphins.
In that game, only a handful of defenders who are expected to be part of the rotation this season took the field. Atlanta even took a hit to its depth with rookie third-round pick Bralen Trice tearing his ACL — which had to factor into the trade for Matthew Judon.
Expect the vast majority of defenders Atlanta deploys to be rookies like Ruke Orhorhoro or veterans who are fringe roster players like Kevin King. That should make things easier on Johnson, who has a trusted veteran to throw to in Tylan Wallace and a rising undrafted rookie in Dayton Wade.
And when Johnson comes out, sixth-round rookie Devin Leary should have a chance to show what he’s got as he battles to make the roster. The former NC State and Kentucky QB threw for over 9,000 yards in college.
However, it’s the run game that could really make the difference with rookie Rasheen Ali and second-year running back Owen Wright. Both are expected to have a sizable workload.
On the flip side, rookie Michael Penix Jr. should see a decent chunk of playing time after outshining Taylor Heinicke last week. While his arm did pop, the Ravens have defensive depth that could make things more difficult for the eighth overall pick.
Keep an eye out for linebacker Trenton Simpson, who was all over the field against the Eagles. There’s also a chance first-round pick Nate Wiggins will play after flashing big-time ability before leaving the game with a shoulder injury last week.
Falcons vs Ravens odds
Falcons vs Ravens live odds
Falcons vs Ravens opening odds
- Spread: Atlanta -1 | Baltimore +1
- Moneyline: Atlanta -115 | Baltimore -101
- Over/Under: Over 37 | Under 37
Falcons vs Ravens betting trend to know
The Ravens have won 44 of 59 preseason games with John Harbaugh as head coach. Find more NFL betting trends for Falcons vs. Ravens.
Falcons vs Ravens game info
| Location: | M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD |
| Date: | Saturday, 8-17, 2024 |
| Kickoff: | 12:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | DAZN |
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