By now, most NFL fans are aware of the Baltimore Ravens’ remarkable winning streak. After beating the Eagles to kick off this year’s preseason, they’ve won 24 straight preseason games, dating back to 2015.
We’ll see if that unprecedented run continues or if the Washington Commanders will be able to put an end to one of the NFL’s most bizarre but intriguing trends.
Ravens vs Commanders Odds
NFL odds used for this Baltimore vs Washington preview were found at FanDuel Sportsbook and are current as of Wednesday, Aug. 16, at 11:30 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Ravens (-160) • Commanders (+135)
- Spread: Ravens -3 (-110) • Commanders +3 (-110)
- Total Points: Over 38.5 (-110) • Under 38.5 (-110)
- Implied Score: Ravens 20.75, Commanders 17.75
Ravens vs Commanders Predictions
Score Pick: Ravens 27, Commanders 20
At a basic level, it’s simple enough: the Ravens don’t lose preseason games, period. The team’s head coach, John Harbaugh, has even said that the streak means a lot and sees it as a point of pride for the squad. The games may not count toward the standings, but they’re important and must be won just like any other, as far as the Ravens are concerned.
In the preseason, trying to win is often enough to give a team the edge, since it’s not too likely that their opponent will care about the game’s outcome.
That being said, Washington has shown some willingness to compete in this preseason. In its opening game, starting QB Sam Howell threw 12 passes as he looked to get ready for a full-time role, and second-stringer Jacoby Brissett threw 10, as well.
The two QBs also combined for three carries, so Ron Rivera clearly feels a need to give his signal-callers enough of a workload to get them up to speed.
With the preseason now reduced to just three weeks, this is likely the last week to play starters before resting in the final game before the regular season, so I’d expect Howell and Brissett to stay in this game long enough to put up some points and keep it close. That being said, the situation is the same for Baltimore.
It will have enough starters - or at least expected contributors playing - to stay ahead and extend its streak.
Ravens vs Commanders Best Bets & Props
Ravens (-160)
FanDuel Sportsbook • WAGER: 2 Units
My NFL bet of the day isn’t a flashy, long-odds pick, but it’s as close to a lock as you can get in the preseason: The Ravens moneyline in the preseason. Baltimore showed last week that it might not always be by a huge margin - they only beat the Eagles by a score of 20-19 - but they are serious about keeping their iconic streak intact.
One thing that teams often struggle with in the preseason is the kicking game, as they use these weeks to try and figure out a starter for the specialized position, often testing out rookies and free agents in the process. The Ravens do not have this issue, as all-time great kicker Justin Tucker knocked in field goals of 43 yards and an astounding 60 yards against Philly.
In a game decided by just a point, that was clearly the difference, and it could be once again in this matchup.
Ravens Win by 1-13 (+155)
FanDuel Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
This one isn’t necessarily a lock, as Baltimore could definitely run away with things, but it’s excellent value as we have the chance to grab plus-odds on by far the most likely outcome. As we’ve discussed already, Baltimore has a unique motivation to have success in the preseason, while Washington has shown a willingness to play starters enough to at least stay in the game, making it a perfect recipe for the Ravens to win the game without making it a blowout.
Over 38.5 (-110)
FanDuel Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
The Ravens’ offensive style provides the unit with a huge edge when it comes to preseason play. In the interest of keeping any potential transitions seamless in the event of an injury to star QB Lamar Jackson, they employ quarterbacks who are also able to run.
Signal-callers with this play style excel in the preseason, as they can create their own offense and are not reliant on the second- and third-string skill players on the field with them. Paired with a Commanders squad that will be trying to find some success to positively reinforce Howell and bolster his confidence, this game should be full of offensive output.
Ravens vs Commanders Same Game Parlay
No Same Game Parlays are available for this game, but this section will be updated if they become available.
