MNF: Ravens vs Commanders

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Developing Stories 📰

The second full week of preseason action on the football field comes to a close with a clash between two rivals in the nation's capital. On Monday night, the Baltimore Ravens hit the road for a short journey to face the Washington Commanders. Baltimore continued their impressive preseason streak by defeating Philadelphia 20-19 at home last Saturday, although they fell short of covering the 5.5-point spread as favorites. Meanwhile, Washington started their preseason campaign with a win, triumphing over Cleveland 17-15 on the road as three-point underdogs.

In recent history, the Ravens have dominated their preseason meetings against the Commanders, winning the last five encounters. Their most recent showdown was on August 27, 2022, when Baltimore secured a 17-15 victory at home. Although Baltimore faced challenges against the defending NFC champions in their opening preseason match, they extended their NFL-record winning streak to 24 games by securing a victory on the road. As they prepare to face the Commanders, a team they've bested five times during their streak, the Ravens are eager to maintain their momentum.

During the last matchup, the Ravens found themselves trailing 3-0 after the first quarter and 13-10 at halftime. However, they managed to seize the lead in the third quarter and held on to it for the rest of the game. Despite surrendering a pick-six with 7:03 left in regulation, the Ravens stopped the two-point conversion attempt and held firm to secure the win. Despite being outgained in total offense (335-272) and giving up more first downs (20-18), Baltimore capitalized on their opportunities.

Tyler Huntley completed 8 of 11 passes for 88 yards and a touchdown, and he also contributed 13 rushing yards. However, he hasn't practiced since the last Saturday and is unlikely to participate in the upcoming game. Likewise, Lamar Jackson won't be playing, meaning that Josh Johnson (8 of 12, 45 yards, TD) and Anthony Brown (3 of 8, 7 yards, INT, 15 rushing yards) will handle most of the action. There's a chance that Johnson might replace Huntley due to his familiarity with Todd Monken's system.

On the ground, Justice Hill led with three carries for 48 yards, while Gus Edwards (4 carries, 21 yards), Melvin Gordon III (6 carries, 16 yards), and Keaton Mitchell (6 carries, 11 yards) all contributed. JK Dobbins participated in team drills but likely won't play in this game. In the receiving department, Sean Ryan led with four catches for 37 yards, and both Devin Duvernay (1 reception, 7 yards) and Tylan Wallace (2 receptions, 18 yards) caught touchdown passes. There's also anticipation around rookie first-round pick Zay Flowers making an appearance.

Kicker Justin Tucker showcased his consistent form, nailing both extra points and field goal attempts, including an impressive 60-yard kick to close the first half. Despite adding Ronald Darby Jr. and Jadeveon Clowney to the roster, it's unlikely that they'll see action in this game.

Washington enters the game following their victory over Cleveland in the preseason opener. They aim to disrupt the Ravens' lengthy preseason win streak. After conceding a safety in the first quarter, Washington rebounded to score 17 unanswered points, securing a 17-2 lead. They held off a late Cleveland rally, preserving the victory by preventing a two-point conversion attempt with 1:39 remaining.

Washington was outgained in total offense (374-276) and yielded more first downs (23-17). Despite these challenges, they managed to maintain control of the clock for 31 minutes and 35 seconds, compared to Cleveland's 28 minutes and 25 seconds. Both teams turned the ball over twice during the game.

Second-year quarterback Sam Howell had a strong performance, completing 9 of 12 passes for 77 yards and a touchdown while also adding 8 rushing yards. Coach Ron Rivera designated him as the starting quarterback earlier in the week. Jacoby Brissett completed 6 of 10 passes for 75 yards and a touchdown, along with 16 rushing yards and a rushing score. Jake Fromm completed 5 of 7 passes for 26 yards and an interception, but he's unlikely to challenge Brissett's position. The Commanders' approach to keeping three quarterbacks remains uncertain.

In the rushing game, Chris Rodriguez Jr. led with 5 carries for 39 yards, and Brian Robinson Jr. contributed 16 yards on 3 carries. Jaret Patterson (6 carries, 16 yards) and Antonio Gibson (2 carries, 7 yards) are expected to play significant roles in the ground game this season. Cole Turner was the top receiver with 4 receptions for 31 yards. Young receivers like Dyami Brown, Dax Milne, and Mitchell Tinsley will need to make an impact to enhance their chances of making the roster.

Headlines 🚨

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Max Scherzer moved into 11^th place on the career strikeouts list Sunday in the Rangers 6-2 loss against the Brewers.

Aaron Rodgers to make Jets Debut Saturday vs. NY Giants.

Veteran Brandon Copeland who played for 10 seasons in the NFL is retiring at age 32.

Trends 📈📉 via Oddsshark

⚾️ Giants at Phillies

• San Francisco is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia

• San Francisco is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia

• The total has gone OVER in 4 of Philadelphia's last 5 games when playing at home against San Francisco

• The total has gone OVER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 8 games when playing San Francisco

⚾️ Cubs at Tigers

• The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 5 games

• The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Detroit's last 10 games

⚾️ Cardinals at Pirates

• The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis's last 6 games

⚾️ Mets at Braves

• The total has gone UNDER in 4 of NY Mets's last 5 games on the road

⚾️ Red Sox at Astros

• The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games when playing on the road against Houston

• The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games when playing Boston

• The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games

⚾️ Mariners at White Sox

• Seattle is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road

• Seattle is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

⚾️ Reds at Angels

• The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 5 games

• The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Angels

• LA Angels is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Cincinnati

• LA Angels is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Cincinnati

⚾️ Rangers at Diamondbacks

• The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Texas's last 9 games on the road

• The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Texas's last 21 games

• Arizona is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games

• Arizona is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games

⚾️ Royals at Athletics

• The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Kansas City's last 5 games on the road

• The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Kansas City's last 9 games when playing on the road against Oakland

• Oakland is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Kansas City

• Oakland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Kansas City

⚾️ Marlins at Padres

• The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Miami's last 7 games on the road

• The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego's last 5 games when playing at home against Miami

Public Money 🤑 via VSiN at 9AMCT

🏈 NFL Preseason

24% of bets and 44% of money is on WSH +1.5

⚾️ MLB

38% of bets and 79% of money is on UNDER 8.5 SF at PHI

62% of bets and 80% of money is on CHC -1.5 (+130)

39% of bets and 72% of money is on UNDER 8.5 SEA at CWS

32% of bets and 51% of money is on UNDER 8.5 KC at OAK

55% of bets and 73% of money is on OVER 8.5 MIA at LAD

Future Odds 🔮 via Bovada Sportsbook

Injury Report 🏥 via ESPN

BOS (CF) Jaren Duran | Day-to-Day - Toe

BOS (SP) )Tanner Houck | 15 Day IL - Face, will be reinstated to start tomorrow in Houston

BOS (1B) Tristin Casas | Day-to-Day - Tooth

HOU (LF) Kyle Tucker | Day-to-Day - Illness

LAA (3B) Anthony Rendon | 60 Day IL 

LAA (1B) CJ Cron | 10 Day IL - Back

LAD (SP) Tony Gonsolin | 15 Day IL - Elbow

NYY (SP) Carlos Rodon | 15 Day IL - Hamstring, will be reinstated to start tomorrow against Washington

SEA (SP) Bryan Woo | 15 Day IL - Forearm, will be activated to start today in Chicago

TOR (1B) Vlad Guerrero Jr | Day-to-Day - Finger

Picks 🔒

Commanders +1.5 | Huntley's availability is in doubt due to a hamstring injury sustained in the game against the Eagles. This circumstance could lead to Johnson and Brown taking charge for the game. Playing at home Washington wants to end the five consecutive preseason losses to Baltimore. The Commanders possess an advantage, amplified by Baltimore's uncertain quarterback scenario. Choosing for the points and favoring Washington in this matchup appears to be the right choice.