The Baltimore Ravens and Washington Commanders will be the lone teams in action Monday night when they kick off their second preseason game of 2023 at FedEx Field in Summerfield, MD.
Baltimore will be looking to continue its record streak of 24 consecutive preseason wins, and while Washington has just named its starting quarterback for Week 1 of the NFL season, it still be motivated to end the streak.
I’ve analyzed the NFL odds to give my best NFL picks and predictions for the Ravens vs. Commanders below.
Ravens vs Commanders odds
Ravens vs Commanders predictions
The Baltimore Ravens have already announced their quarterback plan for this game, which does not feature either Lamar Jackson or Tyler Huntley. This means Josh Johnson and Anthony Brown will each get a half as they battle for the final roster spot at QB. There is also a battle for the final RB spot.
With J.K. Dobbins back off the PUP list, the deep RB room in Baltimore just became much more urgent to find who will fill the final spots. Dobbins and Gus Edwards are locks to be the top two, and Justice Hill is almost guaranteed the third spot. Melvin Gordon and Keaton Mitchell will likely get most of the work in this game to help determine that battle.
It is very clear that John Harbaugh is not putting the streak in the forefront of his thinking, but neither are the Washington Commanders. Washington offensive lineman Sam Cosmi was quoted as saying, “I think it’s a stupid record! Who gives a s*** about preseason games?” Ron Rivera is not taking any chances with some banged up guys just to end the streak.
Tight end Logan Thomas, defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, right tackle Andrew Wylie, defensive end Chase Young, defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis, and cornerback Danny Johnson are all unlikely to play with minor injuries, but should be fine for Week 1. With Sam Howell being officially named the Week 1 starter at QB, it is unlikely we will see much of him on Monday night. This will leave Jacoby Brissett and Jake Fromm to split the game.
Both Brissett and Fromm struggled last week against the Cleveland Browns. Brissett was 6 of 10, passing for 75 yards and an interception, while Fromm was 5-for-7 passing for 26 yards and an interception. This could be a problem given the lack of depth the Commanders will have on the defensive side. Meanwhile, Josh Johnson played great last week going 8 of 12 passing for 45 yards and a touchdown in his limited action.
I really like Johnson to get things started off hot for the Ravens on Monday night as he could be playing with several of the first-teamers on offense against the mostly second unit on defense for Washington. Give me their first half moneyline as my best bet.
My best bet: Ravens first half ML (+108 at DraftKings)
Not intended for use in MA.Affiliate Disclosure: Covers may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or betting site.
