NFL
(8/21/23) 8:00PM Eastern.
Spread: Ravens -1.5 / Commanders +1.5
ML: Ravens -125/ Commanders +105
Over/Under 37.5
Free Pick: Commanders First Half -1.
Ron Rivera has a lengthy history of playing his starters in week 2 of the NFL pre-season. Last season he sent Carson Wentz and the 1's out for a couple drives. He just named Sam Howell the starting QB and as a first time starter he may see extended playing time tonight. He looked sharp in week 1, completing 9 of 12 passes for 77 yards and a score. He's also performed very well in joint practices against Baltimore.
Whenever the starters get pulled, Jacoby Brissett will come in at QB to finish the half. He has over 10K career passing yards and 48 passing touchdowns in the NFL. Every team in the NFL would love to have Brissett backing up. He's won plenty of games in this league. The Ravens also failed to cover in the first half last week from weak defensive play. Rookie QB Tanner McKee led PHI to 10 second quarter points.
Lamar won't start and neither will back-up QB Tyler Huntley as he nurses a hamstring injury. It's a significant blow to the Ravens first half offense. Huntley's started 8 games for BAL the past two regular seasons. They turn to Josh Johnson in the first half. He's 1-8 in his NFL career as a starter with more interceptions thrown than touchdowns. He will have some starters by his side early but WSH has a very talented defensive roster, even without some big names playing. They held the Browns offense to 0 points in the first half last week.
