Baltimore @ Miami preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 25, 2018 ) Baltimore 27, Miami 10

The Baltimore Ravens are committed to moving forward behind quarterback Lamar Jackson and plan on competing for an AFC North title and another run deep into the playoffs. The Miami Dolphins, who host the Ravens in the season opener on Sunday, look like a team fully in rebuilding mode after bringing in a new coach and getting very active on the trade market.

Baltimore spent its offseason rebuilding its offense to suit the talents of Jackson and imported Mark Ingram from New Orleans to take on some of the rushing duties, but Jackson is still expected to pull the ball down and run often. "Hopefully that it’s the best offense they've ever seen," Jackson told reporters when asked what people will think of the new offense. "That's what I'm going for." The Dolphins traded away star left tackle Laremy Tunsil, wide receiver Kenny Stills and leading tackler Kiko Alonso in the latest round of trades toward the end of camp, leading to question about the team's intentions for the season. "It's always important to win. I've always believed that," first-year head coach Brian Flores told reporters in reference to tanking questions. "I think to take any other approach, that's just not how you coach the game. That's not how you play the game. To take any other approach is disrespectful to the game, so it's very important."

TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Ravens -6.5. O/U: 38.5

ABOUT THE RAVENS (2018: 10-6, FIRST IN AFC NORTH): Baltimore is convinced that Ingram, 29, has plenty left in the tank after splitting carries for years with the Saints. "He's a proven back in the National Football League," Ravens coach John Harbaugh told reporters. "He seems very healthy. (There is) not a lot of wear and tear on Mark. He’s a downhill, physical runner. He fits our style." Ingram will run between the tackles while Jackson takes off around the outside and goes after Michael Vick's record for rushing yards by a quarterback (1,039).

ABOUT THE DOLPHINS (2018: 7-9, SECOND IN AFC EAST): Miami traded for former first-round pick Josh Rosen in the offseason, but veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick won the battle in camp and will get the start on Sunday, becoming the first quarterback to start for eight different teams. "You know it is (rewarding)," Fitzpatrick told reporters. "It's something that's never been done before. Just in terms of who I am and the career I've had and the different places I've been, this means a lot to me. I think being able to do it here with a younger group where it's going to rely so much on communication and I've got to make sure I'm at my best on every single play, whether it's during the play or before at the line of scrimmage." Running back Kenyan Drake survived the team's offseason purge and is expected to take on a bigger role in the offense after averaging 4.5 yards per rush in 2018.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Ravens CB Brandon Carr (hip) is questionable for Sunday.

2. Dolphins CB Xavien Howard tied for the league lead with seven interceptions last season.

3. Baltimore beat Miami by a combined 78-6 in the last two meetings - 2016 and 2017.

PREDICTION: Ravens 20, Dolphins 13