Monday Night Showdown: Ravens vs. Buccaneers for NFC South Dominance

Thursday, October 17th, 2024

The Baltimore Ravens, holding a 4-2 record, will take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, also at 4-2, in a Monday Night Football game on ESPN starting at 8:15 p.m. EDT. Baltimore is favored to win by 3.5 points and has dominated the last five encounters against Tampa Bay.

Lamar Jackson from Baltimore is leading the league in passing touchdowns, while Baker Mayfield of Tampa Bay has an outstanding passer rating. A significant aspect of the game will be Baltimore's running game going up against Tampa Bay’s run defense, which has encountered challenges this season.

Both teams are dealing with significant injuries, with Tampa Bay potentially without wide receiver Mike Evans and running back Rachaad White.

Baltimore's defense has successfully recorded a sack in 44 straight games, the longest ongoing streak in the NFL. Additionally, Jackson ranks second in all-time rushing yards for a quarterback, trailing only Michael Vick.

Tampa Bay's offense has been impressive, reaching ninth in the league rankings after setting a franchise single-game record of 594 yards last week. Chris Godwin is leading in receptions, and Evans is just one touchdown reception short of becoming the fifth player in NFL history with 100 touchdown receptions in his first 11 seasons.

With Rachaad White sidelined, rookie Bucky Irving is expected to be the starting running back for Tampa Bay, likely sharing duties with Sean Tucker.

Related Links

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers News & Updates
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers Schedule & Scores
• Baltimore Ravens News & Updates
• Baltimore Ravens Schedule & Scores
• NFL News