The Baltimore Ravens are back on the road in week three as they get set to take on the Dallas Cowboys in an international showdown, as this game will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Ravens are coming off a defeat at the hands of the New Orleans Saints by a final of 24–17. It was another fourth-quarter collapse for the Ravens, that head coach Jesse Minter and the Ravens hope to not make a common theme for 2026. Meanwhile, the Cowboys enter after an impressive offensive showing against the Washington Commanders, picking up their first win of the season by a final of 37-20.
The Ravens come into Sunday fairly healthy after a rough first two weeks on the injury front. Defensive lineman Justin Madubuike (neck) and linebacker Teddy Buchanan (knee) are both set to make their season debuts on Sunday. The only Raven that has been ruled out is left tackle Ronnie Stanley (toe). Carson Vinson is expected to get the start in place on Stanley on Sunday. Wide receiver Zay Flowers (hamstring) who missed last week traveled with the team to Brazil and was limited in practice on Friday. Flowers is currently listed as questionable for Sunday.
As for the Cowboys they will be without several members of their secondary on Sunday. Cornerback Cobie Durant (hamstring) and safety Malik Hooker (forearm) have been ruled out. While safety P.J. Locke (foot) was placed on injured reserve meaning he will miss the next four weeks for the Cowboys. Linebacker Demarion Overshown (hamstring) has also been ruled out making an already poor defense even thinner with depth.
Players to Watch:
Mark Andrews
With Zay Flowers questionable to play on Sunday and rookie Ja’Kobi Lane still on injured reserve, it leaves the Ravens a little thin with top level pass catchers for quarterback Lamar Jackson. While wide receiver Rashod Bateman stepped up last week recording seven catches for 88 yards and one touchdown. I would expect the focus from the Cowboys defense to be on Bateman assuming Flowers does not play. That leaves tight end Mark Andrews to be this offenses focal point for the Ravens passing attack.
Dallas enters Week 3 with a heavily depleted secondary having already ruled out safeties Malik Hooker and P.J. Locke, as well as cornerback Cobie Durant. Andrews will need to dominate the middle of the field and serve as Jackson’s safety valve, especially on third downs and in the red zone. Through two weeks Andrews sits only behind Flowers in receiving yards with 98, but leads the team in receptions with 10.
Caleb Downs
The Cowboys 2026 first round selection, safety Caleb Downs, has quickly been thrust into a prominent roll in this Cowboys secondary due to so many injuries at the position. Downs will be tasked on Sunday will slowing down this Ravens offense that ranks fourth in the NFL in total offense and seventh in the NFL in passing yards.
Downs will play a pivotal role on Sunday as they look to slow down Lamar Jackson and this Ravens offense. Through two weeks Downs has been as advertised for the Cowboys as he has 11 total tackles, one sack, one pass deflection, and an impressive three forced fumbles. While Downs is listed as a safety he will need to assist the Cowboys not only in the pass game, but also in the run game to slow down Ravens running back Derrick Henry. Downs verstility will be important for the Cowboys as he moves all around the field and his ability to force fumbles could be key in the Cowboys having a chance on Sunday.
Prediction
All signs are largely pointing to the Ravens to come back from Brazil with a win on Sunday. But many felt the same way last week, that last week should have been an easy Ravens win, showing that nothing is a given in the NFL. There are a lot of variables on Sunday that are not always there on a normal week, which could have effects on Sundays outcome. How well does each team adjust to the travel? How much will the field affect each team? Outside of those things the biggest question will be which defense can step up when needed and make the plays when they need to be made.
While the Cowboys have struggled statistically defensively through the first two weeks, the Ravens struggled do get off the field on third downs, something the Cowboys lead in the NFL in third down conversion rate at 68%. I think both offenses will be able to have successful days with the Cowboys have the two headed monster at wide receiver in George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb, and the Ravens leaning heavily on running back Derrick Henry. But I think that is where the difference will be had. The Ravens ability to run the ball, and run the ball efficiently will allow the Ravens to control the ball and tempo of the game, keeping the ball away from Dan Prescott and the Cowboys offense.
I think the Ravens realize they might not be able to matchup in the secondary to this Cowboys passing attack, but the Ravens being able to attack the 30th ranked rush defense, while also not allowing the Cowboys to run the ball themselves, and strictly rely on the big play through the pass game, I think will favor the Ravens in the end. Give me the Ravens in a grind out win by a final of 24-20, as the Ravens move to 2-1 on the year.
Line: Baltimore -3.5
Over/Under: 53.5
All-Time Record: Baltimore leads series 6-1
Last Meeting: 9/22/24 Baltimore 28-25
