Baltimore Ravens vs Washington Commanders Picks and Predictions October 13th 2024

QBs in focus as Commanders make short trip to play Ravens

Two of the NFL’s most electrifying quarterbacks—Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens and rookie sensation Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders—are set to face off this Sunday in a highly anticipated regional rivalry. The game promises to be a showcase of dual-threat talent, with both teams riding on the dynamic abilities of their quarterbacks to drive their offenses.

Lamar Jackson: The Established Star

Lamar Jackson, a two-time NFL MVP, continues to define what it means to be a dual-threat quarterback. Leading the Ravens to three consecutive wins after starting the season with two losses, Jackson has racked up 1,206 passing yards, 9 touchdowns, and an outstanding 107.3 passer rating. Not only is Jackson a dangerous passer, but his rushing abilities remain a key part of his game, with 363 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns already this season.

One of Jackson’s most memorable moments came in last week’s thrilling 41-38 overtime victory against the Cincinnati Bengals. After a botched snap, Jackson displayed incredible poise and athleticism, stiff-arming a defender and launching a touchdown pass to tight end Isaiah Likely while being pushed out of bounds. This clutch performance earned him the AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors, reminding the league of his ability to make game-changing plays under pressure.

Baltimore’s offense is powered by its top-ranked rushing attack, which averages 211.2 yards per game. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken is likely to emphasize this strength against Washington’s defense, which ranks 22nd against the run (allowing 130 yards per game). Jackson, along with the Ravens’ ground game, will be a central factor in this matchup.

Jayden Daniels: The Rookie Phenom

On the other side, Washington rookie Jayden Daniels is turning heads in his first NFL season. He’s the first player in league history to pass for over 1,000 yards (1,135) and rush for more than 250 yards (300) in his first five games. Leading the Commanders to a 4-1 start—their best since 2008—Daniels has injected new life into the franchise. With 4 passing touchdowns, 2 interceptions, and 4 rushing touchdowns, Daniels is a versatile threat who can make plays through the air and on the ground.

Commanders coach Dan Quinn recognizes the natural comparisons between Daniels and Jackson, both Heisman Trophy winners known for their ability to beat defenses with both their arms and legs. However, Quinn has been clear about developing Daniels in a way that highlights his unique skills rather than forcing him into Jackson’s mold. “I’ve always wanted Jayden to be the best version of himself,” Quinn said. “They’ll feature different ways in the offense, but they’re both exceptional talents.”

Under new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, Washington’s offense is thriving, leading the NFL with an average of 31 points per game. Kingsbury has built a system that maximizes Daniels’ strengths, and the rookie has been able to take full advantage, consistently making big plays down the field.

Key Matchups and Game Strategy

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Ravens’ Ground Game vs. Commanders’ Run Defense

The Ravens’ offense revolves around the run, and with the league’s best rushing attack, they’re poised to challenge Washington’s defense, which struggles against the run (ranked 22nd). Look for Baltimore to lean heavily on their running backs and Jackson’s mobility to exploit this mismatch. Washington’s defensive line will need to step up if they hope to contain the Ravens’ ground assault.

Commanders’ Passing Attack vs. Ravens’ Weak Secondary

While the Ravens excel at running the ball, their secondary has been porous, ranking 31st in the league and allowing 280.2 passing yards per game. This could open up big opportunities for Daniels to test Baltimore’s defense through the air. With a mix of skillful wide receivers and a creative play-caller in Kingsbury, Washington could find success with deep shots downfield.

Coaching Duel: Monken vs. Kingsbury

Baltimore’s Todd Monken is likely to stick with a run-heavy approach, especially given the Ravens’ success on the ground. However, Jayden Daniels’ ability to create explosive plays and extend drives with his legs and arm may force Baltimore to adjust their strategy on defense. Kliff Kingsbury has tailored Washington’s offense to take advantage of space and mismatches, making this a fascinating coaching chess match.

Defensive Challenges for Both Teams

Both defenses face significant challenges heading into this game. For the Ravens, their secondary will need to tighten up if they hope to contain Daniels, especially given Washington’s high-scoring offense. The Commanders, meanwhile, have to figure out how to slow down Lamar Jackson and Baltimore’s rushing attack, which is a tall order given their struggles against the run.

Historical Rivalry

Baltimore leads the all-time regular-season series against Washington, 4-3, in what has become a growing regional rivalry. This matchup between two neighboring teams adds an extra layer of excitement, and with both squads looking strong this season, the stakes are higher than ever.

Conclusion: A Game of Playmakers

This game will ultimately come down to which quarterback can impose their will on the defense. Lamar Jackson’s experience and playmaking ability make the Ravens a tough team to beat, but Jayden Daniels is a rising star capable of delivering big moments in key situations. With both offenses firing on all cylinders and two innovative coaching staffs scheming to gain an edge, this game has the potential to be one of the most thrilling matchups of the season.

Will the seasoned Jackson continue to dominate, or will Daniels’ meteoric rise give Washington a statement victory? Fans won’t want to miss this exciting showdown between two of the league’s most exciting quarterbacks.