Preseason Preview - Baltimore Ravens vs. Washington Commanders

Baltimore Ravens vs. Washington Commanders

NFL Preseason Week 3 - Saturday, August 23, 2025 - Northwest Stadium, Landover, MD

Game Details & Betting Odds

Detail	Info
Kickoff	Saturday, Aug 23, 12:00 PM EDT
Location	Northwest Stadium, Landover, MD
Spread	Ravens -2.5 (-110)
Moneyline	Ravens -140 / Commanders +118
Over/Under Total	35.5 (-110)

Recent Team Form & Context

Team	Record	Last Two Preseason Games
Ravens	2-0	Beat Colts 24-16 & Cowboys 31-13
Commanders	0-2	Lost to Patriots 48-18 & Bengals 31-17

• The Ravens are coming off back-to-back solid preseason wins, showing balanced offense and a strong defense.

• The Commanders have struggled to find consistency, especially on defense, and enter with limited rest after Monday's game.

Betting Trends & Key Stats

Category	Ravens	Commanders
Preseason Winning Streak	Won 24 straight before 2023 loss	0-2 in 2025 preseason
Turnover Impact	10-4 record forcing turnovers last season	Allowing heavy yardage in last games
Defense	Best rush defense allowing only 18% 1st downs on runs	Weak pass defense; allowance of 1.9 TDs/game
Offensive Efficiency	Top rushing success rate; 130 yards/game by RBs	Strong red zone performance, 55% scoring drives in 2H
Player Props	Lamar Jackson TD passes Over in 14 of last 16	Kicker Matt Gay Field Goal Overs in 12 of last 14

Expert Predictions & Best Bets

• Spread: Back the Ravens at -2.5, favored due to deeper roster and longer rest.

• Total: Over 35.5 points — Both teams have offense capable of scoring, especially as backups get more reps.

• Key Prop: Both teams to score at least 15 points (+160) is a solid option given offensive capabilities and tendencies.

Keys to the Game

Baltimore Ravens:

• Capitalize on defensive strength, especially against the run to limit Commanders’ top rushing success.

• Leverage Lamar Jackson’s playmaking ability; look for effective motion plays and explosive runs.

• Maintain pressure to force turnovers, which correlates with strong winning outcomes.

  
  

Washington Commanders:

• Protect QB and limit sacks to maintain offensive flow.

• Convert on critical 4th downs; aggressive play-calling in short-yardage situations is key.

• Contain Ravens’ explosive rushes, especially on 3rd and short.

The Baltimore Ravens enter as favorites with strong preseason momentum, led by an effective rushing attack and stifling defense. The Washington Commanders, hungry for their first win, possess a high conversion rate and aggressive tendencies but have shown defensive vulnerabilities. The longer rest for the Ravens and their preseason dominance make them the pick to win and cover the spread, while the game's pace and scoring ability predict an Over on the 35.5 total.

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