Broncos Face First Legitimate Test Against Ravens

The Broncos have capitalized on their favorable early-season matchups and are one of five teams with a 3-0 record as they welcome a hot Ravens team to Mile High. Baltimore will be looking for its third straight victory on Sunday and provides a perfect measuring stick for a slightly overachieving Broncos team.

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

Denver has outscored opponents 76-26, conceding the fewest points in the league to date. Despite those credentials, the Broncos aren’t favored at home in Week 4 facing their first significant challenge against a very capable Ravens side. The Ravens have been involved in a few high-scoring games this season, so an Sportsbook total of 45.5 points is quite surprising.

Baltimore News & Notes

Although the Ravens have not looked entirely convincing, they’ve managed to get the job done on two of three occasions, winning by one and two points. Justin Tucker’s record-setting 66-yard field goal secured a Baltimore victory in Week 3.

Things do not bode well for the Ravens if they’d rely on such thin margins against a solid Broncos team. Luckily for Baltimore, the offense has yet to be stifled despite losing some key players to injury. Lamar Jackson’s style of play poses a threat that the Broncos have yet to deal with this season.

The Ravens defense allowed opponents to score over 30 points in weeks 1 and 2 before holding the Lions to 17 points in their third game. They have the talent to make life uncomfortable for Teddy Bridgewater, and several members of the unit will be returning to action after dealing with positive COVID-19 results.

Denver News & Notes

Is there anyone who could have imagined the AFC West looking the way it does after Week 3? The Chiefs are surely going to turn things around, though, and the Raiders have kept pace with the Broncos with their own 3-0 start.

After shutting out the Jets 26-0, Denver’s confidence will be high. The home team will need that confidence and the support of the crowd to play a role as Lamar Jackson comes to town leading the most capable offense Denver has faced this season.

It’s unlikely that Bridgewater keeps up with Jackson’s offensive pace, so earning consistent stops on defense will be the key to victory. But the reliable Bridgewater has gone three games without turning the ball over, and Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams have been a productive tandem in the backfield.

If the passing game struggles against the Ravens, the Broncos can rely on their ground game against a defense that has given up its fair share of rushing touchdowns.

Staff Betting Pick: Broncos +1.5 (-110)

It’s difficult to ignore the Broncos as home underdogs. Baltimore’s victories have been by razor-thin margins, making the Broncos at +1.5 a great option.