Washington Commanders

Redskins at Ravens: Preview, Predictions, and More

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Washington Redskins vs Baltimore Ravens

The Washington Redskins enter Week 5 on the heels of a two game winning streak, which got them out of their 0-2 hole to start the season. They go for a short ride for an in-state battle with the Baltimore Ravens, who are sitting at 3-1.

Baltimore hasn’t really looked as strong as that record may suggest though. Terrance West had great game against the Raiders last week, but overall they have struggled to get the ground game going. They also have struggled to put lesser teams away, with none of their games being decided by more than six points so far.

Washington on the other hand is clicking on offense. Defense…not so much. Last week against the Browns they gave up their season-low in points when Cleveland scored 20. That was with a third-string quarterback at the helm, so things have been rough for the ‘Skins defenders to say the least.

Redskins Keys To Victory

1. Get after Flacco: The Ravens have some deep threats in Steve Smith, Sr. and Mike Wallace. They also have a quarterback who can deliver the ball deep like no one else. Getting pressure on Flacco keeps the Ravens receivers from getting too far down the field, which could be deadly.

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2. Don’t turn it over: Kirk Cousins makes some really good plays. He also throws some really bad turnovers. When he protects the ball they can play with just about anyone in the NFL. When he turns it over, things go south quickly.

3. Test the Ravens deep: Don’t be surprised to see some DeSean Jackson try to go deep for the Redskins. Last week Michael Crabtree destroyed the Ravens secondary and you know Jackson is excited to go try and get his. Washington can open things up against a defense that has some holes in it.

Ravens Keys To Victory

1. Run the ball: The Ravens dropped their game to the Raiders last week by one point, but it was nice to see them get the ground game going. They will need more of that going forward, and against Washington it would help keep their key offensive guys off-balance if they can control the clock.

2. Stop the big play: On the other side of the field they need to make things difficult for Washington. Giving up points isn’t ideal, but it will happen. Just make sure not to give up quick points like they did last week. Forcing the ‘Skins to work for every inch is key.

3. Put their foot on the gas pedal: If they get a lead, don’t let up. These one score games are too iffy, the Ravens need to put some distance between themselves and their teammates. Washington is too good on offense to let them hang around.

Odds

Point Spread: Redskins +4
Moneyline: Washington +165, Baltimore -185
Over/Under: 45.5

Prediction

The Ravens keep the close games theme going as they are involved in yet another one score game. Like last week they will struggle to make the key stops they need and their inconsistent offense shows up again. Washington keeps looking better and better since teammates started to lose their cool with Cousins after their Week 2 loss.

Pick: Washington Redskins: 24, Baltimore Ravens: 21

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