TONIGHT’S GAME BALTIMORE RAVENS AT LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
TV: 8:15 p.m. ET Monday, ESPN
Tipico line: Ravens by 4
1⁄2
Ravens’ keys: The Raiders had a top-10 offense last year in most categories; , including yards and points. Their offense it runs through TE Darren Waller. and it will be fascinating to see how the Ravens try to slow him. Waller averaged more than 100 yards receiving in the final eight games of the 2020 season. Look for the Ravens to assign two defenders to Waller and use plenty of blitzes to contain QB Derek Carr and the rest of the offense.
Raiders’ keys: The recipe is simple: Stop Ravens QB Lamar Jackson. However, not many teams have been able to accomplish that over the past three seasons. For the Raiders to win, The Raiders have to slow down the Baltimore rushing attack – which will be without J.K. Dobbins for the entire season – and force the Ravens to play behind the chains . If they can get the Ravens to long third downs and make Jackson beat them through the air. , they will have a chance to steal this game. Otherwise, Baltimore could easily score 30 or more points against coordinator Gus Bradley’s defense.