This weekend marks the second week of the NFL preseason, where two teams looking to enhance their performance for 2024 will clash in Baltimore. The Atlanta Falcons will be visiting the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday afternoon. Atlanta started their preseason with a 20-13 loss against Miami, falling short as a 2.5-point favorite. Meanwhile, Baltimore also suffered a defeat, losing 16-13 to Philadelphia at home while failing to cover as a one-point underdog. The Falcons hold a slight edge in their recent preseason encounters, having won the last matchup 20-19 on September 3, 2015.
Falcons Boost Defense with Strategic Trade
The Falcons had chances to secure a win against Miami but ultimately came up short in their preseason opener. As they prepare to take the field this week, Atlanta aims to bounce back and even their preseason record. They led 10-3 after the first quarter but found themselves trailing 17-10 at halftime, unable to close the gap for the remainder of the game. In the contest, Atlanta managed 226 total offensive yards compared to Miami’s 265, and both teams committed two turnovers. Notably, Atlanta recently acquired defensive star Matthew Judon from the Patriots, trading a third-round pick in 2025 to strengthen their pass rush.
With Kirk Cousins set as the starting quarterback for the regular season, he will not participate in the preseason, leaving room for first-round draft pick Michael Penix Jr. to shine. In his debut, Penix Jr. completed nine of 16 passes for 106 yards. He will share the quarterback duties with Taylor Heinicke and John Paddock. Other players to watch include running backs Avery Williams, Jase McClellan, and Carlos Washington Jr., who all look to make their mark in this game. Meanwhile, key offensive players like Drake London and Kyle Pitts may see limited action after missing the opener.
The Falcons have been impacted by injuries, with wide receiver Rondale Moore and linebacker Bralen Trice placed on injured reserve, concluding their seasons. Additionally, safety DeMarcco Hellams is expected to miss significant time, prompting speculation about a potential signing of Justin Simmons.
Ravens Aim to Reclaim Preseason Dominance
Baltimore has a storied history in preseason success under head coach John Harbaugh, boasting a 44-14 record since 2008. However, the Ravens struggled in their preseason opener against Philadelphia, leading to a disappointing result. They managed to hold a 3-0 lead early but fell behind and ultimately tied the score at 13 late in the game. Unfortunately for Baltimore, they allowed a game-winning field goal after a missed attempt from the Eagles. The Ravens were outgained in total offense, recording only 164 yards.
With two-time MVP Lamar Jackson not on the field, the Ravens will rely on Josh Johnson to start at quarterback, who had a modest performance in the opener. He will be backed up by rookies Devin Leary and Emory Jones. Meanwhile, fans will be watching running backs Owen Wright, Rasheen Ali, and Chris Collier, all vying for a position on the roster. Key players like Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews are expected to be rested. This gives opportunities for lesser-known players like Dayton Wade and Tylan Wallace to showcase their talents.
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Best Bets for Atlanta Falcons vs. Baltimore Ravens
Both teams will be without their starting quarterbacks, which could lead to uneven quarterback performances. Michael Penix Jr. had a solid start in his debut, surpassing the Ravens’ quarterbacks’ stats in their opener. The Ravens, who previously held an undefeated preseason streak from 2016 to 2022, have now lost three of their last four games. At this point, Baltimore is focused on keeping their starters healthy rather than gaining experience in the preseason. The addition of Judon has energized Atlanta’s fan base, and their offensive performance in the first week suggests they may have the upper hand. Expect the Falcons to secure a victory in this matchup.
