Introduction
The Baltimore Ravens (3-2) will face the Tennessee Titans (2-3) on Sunday, October 15, 2023, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London as part of the NFL International Series, an effort designed to broaden its global appeal and popularity. Both teams are seeking redemption following recent defeats while building momentum heading into their bye weeks, so expect an intense, physical matchup between two historically rival teams!
Background
Since their first meeting, the Ravens and Titans have squared off 25 times during regular season play and four times during playoff play, with each team winning 14 games. Their most recent postseason meeting occurred in January 2021, when Lamar Jackson led his Ravens team to an upset 20-13 wild card win against Derrick Henry that marked Lamar Jackson’s first playoff victory as quarterback. Lamar rushed for 136 yards and one touchdown, while their defense limited him to just 40 carries for 40 yards total on 18 attempts. Unfortunately for both teams, neither went on to make an AFC Championship appearance this time around.
Both teams suffered divisional road losses in Week 5. The Ravens fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers 17-10, while the Tennessee Titans lost 23-16 against the Indianapolis Colts. Both teams committed numerous turnovers; the Ravens lost four, including Jackson’s costly interception late in the fourth quarter; the Titans committed three, with Henry fumbling leading directly to an Indianapolis touchdown; both also battled injuries: the Ravens lost left tackle Ronnie Stanley for the entire year, while the Titans suffered wide receivers Julio Jones and Kristian Fulton injuries lasting several weeks, respectively.
Analysis
The Ravens boast one of the most dynamic offenses in the league, led by Jackson, who serves as both a passer and runner, accounting for 1,282 yards passing and nine touchdowns while running for 374 yards on his way to two scores this season. However, he has also been sacked 14 times and thrown four interceptions, while Ravens receivers have experienced drop-outs and inconsistency issues. Mark Andrews leads the Ravens at receiver with 28 catches for 338 yards and three touchdowns, with Marquise Brown also posting 23 receptions of that distance and two scores. Due to injuries suffered by J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, Justice Hill, and Latavius Murray, among others, their running game has suffered, prompting them to sign veterans like Latavius Murray (212 rushing yards and two scores).
The Titans boast an outstanding defense, particularly against the run. They currently rank fourth in rushing yards allowed per game (86.4). Furthermore, their pass rush has produced 15 sacks so far, with Harold Landry leading with six. Bud Dupree also made two in his rookie campaign with them. Unfortunately for them, though, they rank 28th in passing yards allowed per game (280.8), have allowed 12 passing touchdowns, intercepted only three passes, and Kevin Byard leads in tackles and interceptions with 37 tackles and two interceptions himself!
Derrick Henry leads the league in rushing yards (510) and touchdowns (6), but has been limited in his performance in recent games by strong run defenses; only 57 yards on 28 carries against the New York Jets in Week 4 and 43 against the Colts in Week 5. Ryan Tannehill has been efficient yet underwhelming, throwing for 1,116 yards and seven touchdowns with three interceptions and 13 sacks, while receiving corps injuries have reduced their production to 19 receptions for 263 yards and one score this year.
The contest may come down to turnovers, special teams, and coaching decisions; the Ravens currently boast a negative four turnover differential and the Titans one. Both teams boast reliable kickers in Justin Tucker for the Ravens and Randy Bullock for the Titans; both also possess experienced head coaches like John Harbaugh (eight playoff appearances and one Super Bowl victory since 2008) and Mike Vrabel (three playoff appearances and an AFC Championship game since 2018).
Conclusion
Both teams are looking to rebound from recent defeats and build momentum heading into their bye weeks, respectively. It will be an intense test between two physically resilient and experienced squads with longstanding rivalries. I predict that the Ravens will win this close and hard-fought match, 24-21.
