Everything you need to know: Ravens vs. Raiders

*To start up: *8:15 p.m., Allegiant Stadium

*TV: *ESPN & ABC, WMAR Channel 2 (Baltimore), WJLA Ch. 7 (Washington); ESPN Team Steve Levy (play-by-play), Brian Griese (analyst), Louis Riddick (analyst), Lisa Salters (sideline)

*Radio: *WBAL 1090 AM & 98 Rock 97.9 FM, Ravens team Gerry Sandusky (play-by-play), Femi Ayanbadejo (analyst); Westwood One Sports, Kevin Harlan (play-by-play), Kurt Warner (analyst); WDCN La Nueva 87.7 Spanish radio broadcast, on the Ravens app, Gustavo Salazar (play-by-play), Ximena Lugo-Latorre (color commentator)

The Ravens are looking for their fourth straight playoff season and want to start with a strong performance at Monday Night Football. Head coach John Harbaugh has an impressive 10-3 record in the season opener, including five consecutive wins. During this streak, Baltimore dominated its opponents, 177-26.

Baltimore leads the Raiders, 8-3, in the all-time series. They last met in 2018, when the Ravens won, 34-17, at M&T Bank Stadium. Lamar Jackson was 14 for 25 for 178 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions, and he also ran for 71 yards. Raiders quarterback Derek Carr completed 16 of 34 passes for 194 yards and a touchdown.

Can the Ravens get over their injuries?

It’s a scenario for the whole season. A devastating series of injuries resulted in the loss of Marcus Peters, JK Dobbins, Gus Edwards, LJ Fort and Justice Hill for the season. Nick Boyle, Rashod Bateman and Miles Boykin start the season on the injured list, while starting defensive end Derek Wolfe (back / hip) is out for Week 1. Ravens depth and determination are highlighted. ordeal, but a road win over the The Raiders would be an uplifting way to start the 2021 campaign.

How will the Ravens handle the Vegas atmosphere?

Opening night. Vegas. Monday night football. This will be the first regular season game with fans at Allegiant Stadium, and the joint will jump. The Ravens have been a formidable team on the road in recent years, but it will be a new experience for some of their young players and the noise of the crowd will make offensive communication more difficult. Staying calm and avoiding penalties before the snap will be key.

Who will run football the most for the Ravens?

Ty’Son Williams is expected to be the leading running back in his first game in the NFL. Latavius ​​Murray, Devonta Freeman, Le’Veon Bell and Trenton Cannon have all signed recently, but have been training with the team for less than a week. It’s an unusual situation, but the Raiders must also be concerned about the running ability of Lamar Jackson, the only quarterback in league history to rush for 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons.

Lamar Jackson vs. Raiders defense

Jackson’s performance in this game is crucial. He threw the ball better than ever during training camp, but Jackson only played one set in the preseason and wide receivers Sammy Watkins and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown missed a lot of time during the season. camp. Jackson was brilliant in his first two opening games of the regular season – eight touchdowns, no interceptions, while making 37 of 45 shots. If Jackson kicks off another such hot season, the Ravens will be tough to beat.

Ravens pass defense against Darren Waller

Former Raven, Waller is one of the best tight ends in the NFL and a tough matchup for every team. Veteran defensive back Jimmy Smith (ankle) is questionable, and if he can’t play, Waller becomes an even more difficult task for the Ravens. Defensive coordinator Wink Martindale could throw a variety of looks at the Raiders, hoping to reverse the timing between Waller and Carr. Keeping the ball out of Waller’s hands on the third down and in the red zone will be key.

Ravens rush against Derek Carr

After so much talk about Baltimore’s pass rush in the offseason, we can finally see it unveiled. This will be the Ravens’ debut for veteran passer Justin Houston, as well as rookie outside linebacker Odafe Oweh, a first-round pick with plenty of athletic ability. Veteran Calais Campbell has looked season-ready since day one of camp, and he needs eight sacks this season to reach 100 for his career. Third-year linebacker Jaylon Ferguson secured his place in the roster with a solid end in training camp and is looking forward to his best season. Carr has injured the Ravens in the past, going 2-1 against them while throwing eight touchdown passes and just one interception. The more pressure the Ravens can put on Carr, the better their chances.