Why Ali picked the Ravens: Look past the paltry run production, multiple turnovers, missed audible opportunities and failed stunt pickups against the Chargers, and there was a Vegas team that led at halftime and was within one score with less than 4 minutes remaining. Most of the Raiders’ troubles on offense were self-inflicted, which means, in theory, they can solve them themselves. On defense, there were reasons for optimism — despite what the traditional data might suggest. Per Next Gen Stats, the Raiders generated the fourth-highest pressure rate in Week 1 and had the fourth-lowest percentage of rushes over expected — basically, save for two big plays, they were extremely effective stopping L.A.’s run game. So how does this translate in Part II of their Harbaugh double feature? Well, that depends on how much Vegas’ offense can clean things up in seven days, whether Baltimore’s vulnerable O-line can win consistently against Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins, and whether Lamar Jackson‘s “day off” has him feeling refreshed after all the hits he took (and delivered) last week. If the reigning MVP is able to mitigate the Raiders’ pass rush with his legs, and get involved in the ground game — even as a decoy — it should open up opportunities for Derrick Henry, who’s made a Hall of Fame-caliber career out of wearing down defenses with 3-yard gains before breaking off soul-crushing 70-yarders. Not ruling anything out — especially after last week’s shocker — but Gardner Minshew & Co. will have to play a near-perfect game in Baltimore for Vegas to hit snake eyes on the season.
Rich Cimini, ESPN Staff WriterSep 20, 2024, 01:41 AM ETCloseRich Cimini is a staff writer who covers the New York Jets and the NFL at ESPN. Rich has covered the
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