The Baltimore Ravens are fully ready to fly, even with Tyler Huntley at quarterback. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons are one of the few teams that can match the Ravens at running back. These teams will meet in Week 5 on Sunday Night Football, and here is a prediction, pick, and odds.
The Falcons have turned things around after a miserable start. They stand at 2-2, winning two straight since the return of quarterback Michael Penix Jr. They are tied with the Panthers for first place in the NFC South.
As for the Ravens, they are 3-1 and tied for first place with the Browns in the AFC North.
Ravens vs. Falcons Odds
Ravens: +3
Falcons: -3
Over: 43.5
Under: 43.5
The Falcons have made a lot of strides recently, and the favorite role here reflects that improvement.
The interesting thing is the over-under mark. Regardless of whether Lamar Jackson plays, rushing to the under might be a trap. This game could get to the over because of the way the Falcons’ offense is rolling. And the Ravens may have to chase points late.
Ravens vs. Falcons key injuries
The Falcons have three important players battling injuries: LB Divine Deablo (hamstring), DE Samson Ebukam (hamstring), LT Jake Matthews (groin). Also, edge rusher Za’Darius Smith still isn’t practicing. Add those things up and the Falcons will have to hope Matthews can go. And they may need extra points from their offense.
As for the Ravens, Jackson has all the focus. He suffered an ankle injury in Week 4, and looks doubtful for this contest. Ravens head coach Jesse Minter said Jackson is working hard to get back.
“To Lamar's credit, he is getting a lot of treatment and doing things,” Minter said. “There will be a point later in the week where we will figure out kind of where it is at. When he is ready to play, he will be ready to play.”
The Ravens are prepping two game plans, according to NFL.com.
“You have to have this avenue of, if Snoop’s (Huntley) going, this is the way I wanna call it, this is the direction I wanna go,” Ravens OC Declan Doyle said Thursday, via The Baltimore Sun. “And yet, if L’s going …”
Minter added: “I mean, look, there is only one Lamar Jackson. I think Snoop as a backup quarterback in this league, and even as a starter at times, has shown the ability to come in and really kind of run the offense, make plays with his legs and be able to make plays on third down.”
Also on the injury report are cornerback Marlon Humphrey (hamstring/calf) and newly acquired center Cam Jurgens. With Jurgens in concussion protocol, it looks like he will make his Ravens debut in Week 6.
Wide receiver Zay Flowers is still working through a foot injury. He has been limited in practice.
Ravens vs. Falcons betting trends
The Ravens haven’t lived up to their billing so far, going 1-3 against the spread. The Falcons are 2-2 ATS, but missed the mark in their first home game. The Ravens are 1-0 ATS on the road.
Here’s an important note. In the 17 games that Lamar Jackson has missed in his career, the Ravens are 6-11, straight up.
As for the over-under, it stands at 2-2 for both teams this season.
Keys to Ravens vs. Falcons matchup
The main thing is the running back position. Can the Ravens slow down Bijan Robinson? Can the Falcons take care of business against Derrick Henry? One thing seems certain: Both teams will try to win the game by running the football.
And here’s the interesting thing in that regard: The Falcons are No. 1 in the NFL against the run, allowing a stingy 48.3 yards per game. (Just for fun comparison, the Cowboys are giving up 168.4 yards rushing per game.)
The Ravens are good against the run, too. They rank No. 10, surrendering an even 100 per contest.
Henry acknowledged where Robinson ranks among today’s running backs in the NFL, according to Sports Illustrated.
“He’s the best in the game right now, he’s doing it all,” Henry said. “I ain’t going to shy away from it. He’s doing a great job, hell of a back.
“Does a great job in the system, then does a great job when the play is not exactly how they want it. Know how to make guys miss, get vertical – get the most out of the play for sure.”
Article Continues BelowThrough four games, Robinson has 614 yards from scrimmage with 494 rushing. He has also scored five touchdowns.
So the Ravens' front seven against Robinson will go a long way toward deciding the outcome of this game.
Of course, the Falcons have to stop Henry, too. But that’s not all. Henry said Huntley is very capable of making a difference, according to a post on X by Jamison Hensley.
“Derrick Henry on why the Ravens have confidence in backup QB Tyler Huntley:
‘You watch the Green Bay game from last year? Put the tape on.’ ”
In Week 17 last season, Huntley completed 16 of 20 passes in a 41-24 victory at Lambeau.
Ravens vs. Falcons prediction and pick
The Falcons have a ton of momentum. And with the way they’ve played since the return of Penix, they have a great deal of confidence. This is surely a one-score game. And that means it will come down to the fourth quarter.
If the Ravens can win the time-of-possession battle, that will be their best path to victory. But the Falcons have looked so good with their ground attack, it's hard to see that happening.
With that kind of tight outlook, it’s hard to make the call. We’ll go with the home team.