One preseason Super Bowl contender will be in a heap of trouble after the Dallas Cowboys host the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday afternoon in Week 3 at AT&T Stadium.
The Ravens are 0-2 and will head to North Texas hoping to keep their season from falling apart. Baltimore blew a 10-point fourth-quarter lead at home to the Las Vegas Raiders last week and has allowed the most passing yards per game through two weeks.
The Cowboys are 1-1 but were thoroughly dominated 44-19 by the New Orleans Saints in their home opener last weekend. Dallas had its 16-game home win streak snapped by the Saints and are 30th in the NFL in points against per game (30.5) after its first two games.
The Ravens were the No. 1 seed in the AFC last year and still have +1400 Super Bowl odds at FanDuel despite their winless record. The last team to win the Super Bowl after starting 0-2 was the 2007 New York Giants.
The Cowboys are right behind Baltimore at +2000 to hoist the Lombardi Trophy. Another loss on Sunday would drop them to 1-2, including 0-2 at home.
Let’s dig into this intriguing matchup at our favorite NFL betting sites.
Game Details
- Matchup: Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys
- Date: Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 (Week 3)
- Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
- Location: AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Texas)
- Watch: CBS
Odds Summary
- Moneyline: Ravens -110, Cowboys -106
- Spread: Ravens -1.5 (-102), Cowboys +1.5 (-120)
- Total: Over/Under 47.5 (-105/-115)
Odds from FanDuel Sportsbook and subject to change.
Ravens vs. Cowboys Moneyline
This game is basically a pick’em, making the moneyline an important wager to consider for both sides. Dallas hasn’t lost consecutive home games in four years, and Cowboys QB Dak Prescott hasn’t dropped consecutive home games since 2017.
Baltimore needs to win this game, too, after back-to-back one-possession losses. Its offense has been excellent, leading the NFL in yards per game (417.5)
Reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson balled out in the Ravens’ season-opening loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and ranks top-5 in passing yards per game. He may end up running for his life, however, as he has been sacked three times and will be under siege from Micah Parsons, Eric Kendricks and DeMarcus Lawrence.
Still, Jackson has the speed and ability to throw on the run to elude Dallas’ pass-rushers. Baltimore also has a balanced attack with Jackson and Derrick Henry running the ball, which should exploit a reeling Cowboys unit that is 20th against the run (141.5 yards allowed per game).
Take the Ravens to score a much-needed road win in what should be a shootout.
Ravens vs. Cowboys Spread
In many NFL games, wagering a 1.5-point spread is not worth the effort from the underdog’s perspective as teams rarely lose by one point. Only two games so far this season have been decided by one point.
But if you’re backing Baltimore as a favorite, as I am, the -1.5 spread makes more sense than the moneyline given the more lucrative odds (-102 vs. -110). It’s a small difference, but still a significant one.
Thus, we’ll back the Ravens to win by at least two points even though it’s a slightly riskier play than the moneyline.
Ravens vs. Cowboys Over/Under
At least 47 points have been scored in every game these teams have played in this year, and we expect that trend to continue.
Baltimore has given up the most passing yards per game, and Dallas loves throwing the ball. Meanwhile, the Ravens should be able to exploit the Cowboys’ struggles against the run.
Jackson and Prescott are two of the most talented quarterbacks in football, and neither defense is playing well. This should be a shootout that comfortably hits the Over.
Ravens vs. Cowboys Props
Dak Prescott Over 256.5 Passing Yards (-114)
Baltimore’s defense ranks No. 1 against the run but is giving up the most passing yards per game, so Dallas should try to attack through the air. The Cowboys are a pass-heavy team as well, calling 71 pass plays compared to 46 run plays so far this season.
If Dallas falls behind, Prescott will need to throw even more. He’s projected for 23.5 completions, so he would need to average 10.7 yards per completion to hit the Over on this prop. His career average is 11.3, so that’s certainly doable.
This line appears too low, making it one of the best prop bets to target this weekend.
Lamar Jackson Over 53.5 Rushing Yards (-114)
Jackson may need to do it all for Baltimore to have a chance, and that includes making an impact on the ground.
Jackson is averaging 83 rushing yards per game and almost eight yards per carry this season, so this isn’t a high bar for him to clear. He’s averaged 61.6 rushing yards per game in his career and won’t hesitate to take off if Dallas brings the pressure.
With the Cowboys’ defense struggling against the run, the Over on Henry’s rushing prop (66.5 yards) is enticing as well. Jackson’s line is lower, however, which makes it more likely to hit.
Ravens vs. Cowboys Best Bets Summary
- Moneyline: Ravens (-110). Baltimore needs a win in the worst way, and Dallas coach Mike McCarthy has famously struggled in showcase games. This game may come down to who has the ball last.
- Spread: Ravens -1.5 (-102). Taking Baltimore to win by at least two points is a must-bet, even though these teams seem comparable. If you think Dallas will win, taking it to cover the +1.5 spread makes little sense.
- Total: Over 47.5 Points (-105). It’s hard to believe the lean is on the Under based on how both offenses and defenses have performed so far. Look for the Over to easily clear.
- Dak Prescott Over 256.5 Passing Yards (-114). Taking the Over on Prescott’s pass attempts (35.5) and completions (23.5) are solid plays too, since the Cowboys QB is a passing machine. The Ravens are giving up more yards than this per game, so the Over should easily hit.
- Lamar Jackson Over 53.5 Rushing Yards (-114). Jackson is averaging more than 60 rushing yards per game in his career and Dallas’ defense is dreadful against the run. In a must-win game for Baltimore, look for Jackson to put his stamp on it by running early and often.
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