The Baltimore Ravens (2-0) and Washington Commanders (0-2) face off in NFL preseason action on Saturday, Aug. 23. Kickoff is set for 12:00 p.m. ET from Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md. The game will broadcast on NFL+.
The Ravens are favored by -2.5 with the over/under set at 35.5 total points. Baltimore is a -150 favorite to win outright, while Washington is +125 to pull off the upset.
The Ravens have continued their assault in the preseason by going 2-0 and winning with the formula that consistently seems to churn out results, no matter who is on the field for this team.
Let's get into my Ravens vs Commanders prediction for Saturday afternoon.
Ravens vs Commanders Prediction
- Ravens vs Commanders pick: Ravens -2.5
My Ravens vs Commanders best bet is the Ravens to cover the spread. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NFL odds page.
Ravens vs Commanders Odds
| Ravens Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2.5 -115 | 35.5 -110o / -110u | -150 |
| Commanders Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2.5 -105 | 35.5 -110o / -110u | +125 |
- Ravens vs Commanders spread: Ravens -2.5 (-115), Commanders +2.5 (-105)
- Ravens vs Commanders over/under: 35.5 (-110o/-110u)
- Ravens vs Commanders moneyline: Ravens -150, Commanders +125
- Ravens vs Commanders best bet: Ravens -2.5 (-115)
Ravens vs Commanders NFL Preseason Preview
Baltimore Ravens Betting Preview: Trademark Defense
The Ravens dominated the line of scrimmage in Week 1 of preseason against the Colts, but had a tougher time replicating that performance last week when facing the Cowboys. Even in a game where they failed to rush for four yards per carry, it was evident they were able to carry out their goal in achieving the type of game they thrive in.
Baltimore racked up 39 rushing attempts and dominated time of possession with over 40 minutes to the Cowboys' 19 minutes and 49 seconds.
The Ravens' commitment to the run opened up the passing game when called upon, creating a balance for the offense when both Cooper Rush and Devin Leary were under center.
I expect these two quarterbacks to be the exclusive signal-callers again for the Ravens against the Commanders. Collectively, the duo has passed for 250 yards and 14 first downs.
Baltimore hasn’t been putting up eye-popping numbers, but efficiency is the name of the game when you have this defensive depth. Through two games, teams are 8-for-30 on third down against them, converting just 26% of attempts.
Furthermore, the Ravens’ secondary works together seamlessly in pass coverage. Baltimore has an 80.9 Pro Football Focus grade in pass coverage this preseason, led by LBs Jay Higgins and Chandler Martin, who have the highest coverage grades on the team.
Indianapolis had a collective QBR of 55.9 in Week 1 before the Cowboys managed a 42.8 passer rating in Week 2 against this defense.
The Ravens have an abundance of depth when it comes to rushing the passer.
Rookie Mike Green leads the charge, which should be no surprise considering he led all of FBS in sacks in 2024. Green has five pressures this preseason; fellow rookie EDGE, C.J. Ravenell, has racked up six pressures in his quest to make the 53-man roster.
Washington Commanders Betting Preview: Early Struggles for Hartman
The Commanders, on the other hand, are winless in the preseason with 20 total penalties and four turnovers.
I am going to continue backing John Harbaugh's squad and am once again expecting them to be the more disciplined team.
In the battle for the third quarterback job in Washington, veteran Josh Johnson has outplayed second-year man Sam Hartman.
Hartman is struggling with his accuracy, and he won’t get much reprieve in a tough matchup. Thus far this preseason, he has completed just 44.8% of his passes, averaging 3.2 yards per attempt, and has thrown two interceptions.
The Commanders’ coaching staff will need to give him one more extended look in this game for the sake of evaluation, which doesn’t necessarily bode well for their chances to win.
Ravens vs Commanders Prediction, Betting Analysis
On top of all the statistical advantages the Ravens have and the winning culture they've created during the preseason in recent years, the Commanders will have to play this game on just four days' rest.
At a short road favorite price, Baltimore is getting too tempting a price to pass up.
Pick: Ravens -2.5 (-115, Fanatics)
Spread
As mentioned, we have great value here for the Ravens to cover.
Moneyline
No play on the moneyline for this game.
Over/Under
I'm not interested in the total
