Baltimore Ravens vs Dallas Cowboys – Week 3 Preview & Prediction

Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026 Location: Maracanã Stadium – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Kickoff: 4:25 PM ET Spread: Ravens -3 Total: 52.5

The NFL’s showcase in Rio brings two playoff-caliber teams into one of the sport’s most unique environments. Baltimore arrives looking to rebound after a narrow loss to New Orleans, while Dallas enters with confidence following a convincing win over Washington. Both teams sit at 1–1, but their identities couldn’t be more different: Baltimore leans on physicality and ball control, while Dallas thrives on explosive passing and rhythm.

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Baltimore Ravens – Team Breakdown

Baltimore’s offense has been productive overall, averaging 29 points per game, but Week 2 exposed some inconsistency. Lamar Jackson moved the ball efficiently yet struggled to generate chunk plays, and a late turnover proved costly. The run game remains the backbone of the offense, with Derrick Henry providing steady production and helping Baltimore maintain one of the league’s top rushing averages.

Key Offensive Notes

• Jackson completing high-percentage throws but still searching for a breakout performance

• Henry’s downhill style fits perfectly against lighter defensive fronts

• Rashod Bateman emerging as a reliable intermediate target

Defensively, Baltimore has been one of the league’s most disciplined units. They’re allowing under 275 total yards per game, with a run defense that has been particularly stingy. Opponents have struggled to sustain drives, and Baltimore’s ability to limit explosive plays has kept them competitive even when the offense stalls.

Dallas Cowboys – Team Breakdown

Dallas flipped the script in Week 2, unleashing a high-powered offensive showing behind Dak Prescott’s four-touchdown performance. Prescott looked sharp and decisive, and CeeDee Lamb dominated Washington’s secondary with elite separation and yards after the catch.

Key Offensive Notes

• Prescott operating at peak efficiency with no turnovers last week

• Lamb in true WR1 form, capable of taking over games

• Run game still lagging, averaging just 67.5 yards per contest

Defensively, Dallas remains a mixed bag. The pass defense has held up reasonably well, but the run defense has been a glaring weakness—allowing 173.5 rushing yards per game. That vulnerability becomes a major storyline against Baltimore’s power-run identity. If Dallas cannot force Baltimore into long passing downs, they risk being controlled at the line of scrimmage.

Matchup Analysis

This game hinges on whether Dallas can withstand Baltimore’s physicality. The Ravens have the advantage in the trenches, and their ability to shorten the game with sustained drives plays directly into Dallas’ defensive weaknesses. Conversely, Dallas has the quarterback advantage if the game becomes a shootout. Prescott and Lamb can punish Baltimore’s secondary if given enough possessions.

Key Edges

• Ravens: Run-game dominance, defensive consistency, ball-control potential

• Cowboys: Passing-game explosiveness, red-zone efficiency, momentum from Week 2

The neutral-site factor adds intrigue. Games outside the U.S. often start slower, and teams that run the ball well typically adapt faster to unfamiliar conditions. That leans toward Baltimore’s style.

Prediction

The matchup sets up well for Baltimore to dictate tempo and exploit Dallas’ run-defense issues. Dallas will land big plays, but sustaining offense against Baltimore’s disciplined defense is a tougher challenge than last week’s matchup.

Projected Outcome: Ravens 30, Cowboys 24

Final Picks

• Spread: Baltimore Ravens -3

• Total: Over 52.5