Preview: Ravens and Titans Renew Rivalry in London

The Baltimore Ravens are set to square off against the Tennessee Titans this Sunday across the pond in London, England. Sundays game will take place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, home of Premier League soccer team the Tottenham Hotspurs.

This will be the second time the Ravens have played in London with the first coming in 2017 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. While it was a historic day for the Ravens franchise to play in London for the first time, for many that game against the Jaguars is very forgettable as the Ravens fell by a final of 44-7. In 2017, the Ravens did not leave Baltimore until Thursday, but this time around the Ravens and head coach John Harbaugh are hoping spending the entire week in London adjusting to the time difference will produce a better outcome. The Ravens left for London on Monday following there return from Pittsburgh, and have been practicing at the Hotspurs practice facility this entire week.

In addition to the Ravens attempting to get their first franchise win in London, they are also looking to get back in the win column after a 17-10 defeat at the hands of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Last Sunday’s loss moved the Ravens to 3-2 and into second place in the AFC north behind the Steelers. The Titans also lost last week as they fell to Indianapolis by a final of 23-16, moving them to 2-3 on the year.

The Ravens continue to get healthier after weeks of having several key players miss weeks of practice, the Ravens only had one player not on injured reserve that did not practice this week. Outside linebacker Odafe Oweh (ankle) missed another full week of practice and has been ruled out for the fourth straight week. Running back Keaton Mitchell (shoulder) who began practicing last week after being on injured reserve for the first four weeks of the year, practiced in full this week. Mitchell is currently listed as questionable, but head coach John Harbaugh said it’s a “possibility” Mitchell will be activated to the active roster ahead of tomorrows game and make his NFL debut.

The Titans who arrived in London on Friday have already ruled out wide receiver Treylon Burks (knee), linebacker Luke Gifford (hamstring), and cornerback Elijah Molden (hamstring), all three did make the trip with the team. Defensive lineman Teair Tart (toe) and center Aaron Brewer (neck) were both limited in practice on Friday and both are listed as questionable.

Players to Watch:

Michael Pierce

After re-signing with the Ravens to begin the 2022 season, Michael Pierce looked to rejuvenate his career and return to the Ravens version of Michael Pierce that allowed him to get a three-year $27 million contract from the Minnesota Vikings heading into the 2020 season. Unfortunately for Pierce just three games into the 2022 season he tore his biceps ending his season.

Pierce has returned in 2023 and while his numbers are not eye popping as he has 12 total tackles in five games. Pierce has been a big reason why the Ravens have the second best defense in the NFL and are in the top ten in rush defense. Pierce and the Ravens defense will have to make sure that they are at their best come Sunday as they will look to stop one of the leagues best running backs in Titan Derrick Henry.

Chigoziem Okonkwo

Former Maryland Terp Chigoziem Okonkwo now in his second year with the Titans has begun to carve out an impressive role for himself within this Titans offense. Just last season Okonkwo had 32 catches for 450 yards and three touchdowns. So far this season Okonkwo is on pace to nearly double his receptions and have near 400 yards receiving.

A player like Okonkwo in an offense like what the Tennessee Titans have can be dangerous for this Ravens team. The Titans offense thrives through their run game and a tight end like Okonkwo can easily be forgotten which cam lead to a big day. The numbers may not jump off the page so far this season for Okonkwo, but its important to remember the Ravens gave up three touchdowns to Jaguars tight end Mercedes Lewis in 2017, Lewis finished the year with 24 total receptions in 16 games.

Prediction

This Sunday has that feeling that it could go either way for the Ravens. On one hand they could easily come out and dominate this Titans team putting the game away early. But on the other hand Sunday could also be another week of the Ravens playing down to their competition playing a sloppy game needing to win it late. It could just be the 9:30 A.M. start time here back on the east coast, or the fact that the last time in London nothing went right for the Ravens, or it could also be that the Ravens are still struggling to find themselves through five weeks and have yet to put together a complete game during that time.

Slow starts and self inflicted mistakes are what now separates the Ravens from being 3-2 and 5-0. The Titans are very similar to that of Indianapolis and the Steelers, where they have just enough playmakers to beat you if you beat yourself. The Ravens cannot afford another week to have a slow start or have crucial mistakes like drops that end drives and leaves point on the field. I think with the Ravens traveling to London and spending the entire week there will be a benefit, and I think the Ravens offense will make just enough plays to help out the Ravens defense who I expect to play lights out against this very average Titans offense. Ravens find a way to win in London 23-16.

Line: Baltimore -4.5

Over/Under: 42.5

All-Time Record: Tennessee leads series 11-10

Last Meeting: 11/22/20 Tennessee 30-24 (OT)