As the NFL season approaches the halfway mark, two AFC teams with playoff aspirations are set to clash in Baltimore. The Denver Broncos travel to face the Baltimore Ravens this Sunday afternoon. Denver recently secured a 28-14 victory against the Carolina Panthers, successfully covering the spread as a 13-point favorite. Conversely, Baltimore experienced a setback last week, falling 29-24 to the Cleveland Browns as a seven-point favorite. Historically, the Ravens lead the series against the Broncos with an 8-6 record and have triumphed in their last three encounters, including a narrow 10-9 win at home on December 4, 2022.
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What are the odds for this intriguing matchup? Discover the prediction for the Broncos vs. Ravens!
Broncos Aim for Third Consecutive Victory
Denver has emerged victorious in their last two games and five of their past six, showcasing resilience in their recent match against Carolina. The Broncos now hold a 5-3 record, placing them second in the AFC West. They currently occupy the fifth seed in the AFC playoff standings, edging out Baltimore based on their superior conference record. After falling behind 7-0 in the first quarter against the Panthers, Denver surged with 21 points in the second quarter, establishing a comfortable lead by halftime. They maintained control throughout the game, producing a total offense advantage of 400 to 284 yards and dominating time of possession at 33:10 compared to Carolina’s 26:50. Both teams had two turnovers during the contest.
Despite their success, the Broncos’ passing offense ranks 27th in the league, averaging 185.9 yards per game, while their rushing offense sits at 15th with 121.4 yards per game. They are 20th in scoring offense, averaging 21.6 points, but rank 3rd in scoring defense by allowing only 15 points per game. Quarterback Bo Nix has completed 165 of 261 passes for 1,530 yards, with eight touchdowns and five interceptions. He also contributes to the ground game with 52 carries for 259 yards and four touchdowns. Running back Javonte Williams leads the team with 345 rushing yards on 90 carries, adding two scores. Notable receiving targets include Courtland Sutton, who has 29 receptions for 377 yards and two touchdowns, and Josh Reynolds, with 12 catches for 183 yards and one touchdown. Kicker Wil Lutz has been reliable, hitting 17 of 18 field goals, with a long of 51 yards this season.
In terms of injuries, Denver is fairly healthy heading into the game. Safety P.J. Locke (thumb) was the only player to miss practice early in the week, while fullback Michael Burton (foot) had limited participation. Tackle Mike McGlinchey (knee) also faced practice limitations. Updates on their statuses will be critical leading up to kickoff.
Ravens Hope to Rebound at Home
Baltimore’s five-game winning streak came to an abrupt halt as they lost to the Browns last week. The Ravens dropped to a 5-3 record, placing them second in the AFC North, one game behind the Pittsburgh Steelers. They are currently in the sixth seed of the AFC playoff race, trailing the Broncos based on conference records. The game against Cleveland featured numerous lead changes and intense moments, but the Ravens were unable to secure crucial plays when needed. After leading 10-6 at halftime, they found themselves behind in the fourth quarter, briefly leading 24-23 before allowing the Browns to score the game-winning touchdown with just under a minute remaining. Baltimore ended up with 401 total yards compared to Cleveland’s 387 while both teams managed 22 first downs.
This season, Baltimore boasts the fifth-best passing offense, averaging 252.1 yards per game, and leads the league in rushing, averaging 200 yards per game. They rank second in scoring offense with an impressive 30.3 points per game, yet their defense struggles, allowing 26.1 points per game, placing them 26th in that category. Lamar Jackson has been effective, throwing for 2,099 yards with 17 touchdowns and only two interceptions. He also contributes in the run game with 501 rushing yards on 81 carries and two touchdowns. Derrick Henry leads the backfield with 946 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on 145 attempts. Key receiving options include Zay Flowers, with 41 catches for 527 yards, and tight end Mark Andrews, who has recorded 22 receptions for 263 yards and four touchdowns. Kicker Justin Tucker has been perfect on extra points so far, hitting all 29 attempts and converting 13 of 17 field goals.
On the injury front, the Ravens will be without defensive end Brent Urban (concussion) and running back Rasheen Ali (ankle), both ruled out for this game. Other players, including running back Keaton Mitchell (knee) and cornerbacks Jalyn Armour-Davis (knee) and Marlon Humphrey (knee) are listed as questionable.
Betting Insights for Denver Broncos vs. Baltimore Ravens
This matchup presents a significant challenge for both teams. Denver is riding a wave of momentum with two consecutive wins, but they are still relying on a rookie quarterback. Baltimore, on the other hand, faces one of their toughest defensive opponents yet this season. The Broncos lead the league in net yards allowed per pass attempt at 4.7 yards and rank third in points allowed per game. If Jackson is limited in his mobility due to missed practices, he may have to adapt to a more traditional pocket-passing role, which could favor Denver’s defense. While Baltimore is expected to win, the spread may be more favorable for those backing the Broncos.
