The first leg of the Monday Night Football doubleheader is a treat. Another matchup of NFL quarterbacks with a Heisman Trophy. This time Lamar Jackson leads his Baltimore Ravens into Raymond James Stadium in Tampa to take on Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN. Let’s take a look at this Ravens-Buccaneers preview and predictions.
Baltimore enters this game with a record of 4-2 and on fire over their last four games. They had a close loss to the Chiefs in the season opener and then were upset by the Raiders in Week 2. That was all the wake-up call they needed. They’ve ripped off four wins in a row against tough teams including an impressive beatdown of the Buffalo Bills in Week 3. Derrick Henry has looked almost unstoppable as a huge addition to this offense (literally and figuratively).
Tampa also comes into this one at 4-2 on the season. Their four wins are also all against quality opponents. First, they beat the Commanders solidly in Week 1 then upset the Lions in Week 2. Week 3 was a very flat game where the Broncos just outplayed them but they’d go in to win against the Eagles in convincing fashion and blow out the New Orleans Saints last week 51-27.
Baltimore Ravens at Tampa Bay Buccaneers Preview and Predictions Video
Baltimore Ravens at Tampa Bay Buccaneers Preview and Predictions
Cade Otton Over 37.5 Receiving Yards (-115)
There are a ton of big fantasy names and studs to look at props-wise in this game. Jackson, Mayfield, Henry, Evans, Godwin, they should all go off and probably will. But here’s an under-the-radar guy who’s been solid this season. The Ravens have also shown a weakness against the tight end early in the season. Otton had a slow start to the season but in three of the last four games, he’s gone well over this 37.5-yard mark. Last week he fell short but still had six targets. He’s a guy Mayfield is trying to get the ball to.
10. Cade Otton vs BAL
Averaging 90%+ snaps played on the year.
Has ran just about every route possible at the TE position.
17%+ target share Weeks 3-6.
Ravens vs TEs (Last Five Games)
– 73 Receiving Yards/Game
– 6+ Receptions/GameLet Cade EAT 🏴☠️
pic.twitter.com/t2h7vuCImp— Joe Orrico (@NoExpertFF) October 17, 2024
The Ravens’ pass defense has given up a few big games so far this season most notably to Jamar Chase a few weeks ago. The tight ends have been having success on them as well. Travis Kelce had a quiet day in Week 1 but still managed almost to hit this number with 34 yards. Brock Bowers tore them apart in Week 2 with nine catches for 98 yards. Jake Ferguson was the leading receiver for the Cowboys going six for 95, Ferguson was targeted 11 times. Dalton Kincaid had 47 yards, while Gesicki had 31. Last week, Zach Ertz led the Commanders with four catches for 68 yards.
Over 48.5 Total Points Scored (-120)
Dueling Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks and high-flying offenses have me loving this. These teams are both in the top four in points per game from an offensive standpoint, with Tampa Bay second to only the Lions at 30.2 points per game. Baltimore isn’t far behind, putting up 29.5 points per game of its own. Both teams’ defenses are in the top half of the league in points allowed as well Baltimore at 24.8 and Tampa allowing 23.5. Look for this one to be a shootout.
