You think you know how this goes. The Baltimore Ravens walk onto the field, Lamar Jackson dances around a few defensive ends, and the purple and black machine just grinds people down. Then there’s the Las Vegas Raiders. They’re the "Silver and Black," known for drama and late-game chaos.
When these two meet, the script usually gets shredded.
If you look at the recent history of the Baltimore Ravens vs Las Vegas Raiders, it’s not just a game; it’s a heart-attack-inducing exercise in unpredictability. Most fans expect the Ravens to steamroll. Honestly, on paper, they often should. But the Raiders have this weird, stubborn habit of playing their absolute best football against Baltimore.
The Week 2 Shocker That Nobody Saw Coming
Let’s talk about September 15, 2024. The Ravens were playing their home opener at M&T Bank Stadium. They were heavy favorites. In fact, they held a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter. It felt over.
But it wasn't.
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The Raiders stormed back with 13 unanswered points in the final frame. Gardner Minshew II, playing like a man possessed, connected with Davante Adams for a game-tying touchdown after a controversial pass interference call. Then, with just 27 seconds left, Daniel Carlson—who is basically a human laser—drilled a 38-yard field goal to seal a 26-23 upset.
It was the Raiders' first win in Baltimore since 2016. It also sent a message: you cannot count this team out, even when Lamar is on the other side.
Why the Ravens Struggle With the Silver and Black
It’s the pass rush. Specifically, it’s Maxx Crosby.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh has called Crosby a "game-wreaker," and that’s probably an understatement. In that 2024 matchup, Crosby was everywhere. He racked up two sacks and four tackles for loss. He basically lived in the Ravens' backfield, making life miserable for Patrick Mekari and the rest of the offensive line.
Lamar Jackson is the ultimate dual-threat QB, but even he has limits when a 6'5" monster is chasing him every single snap.
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The stats tell a weird story here. The Ravens actually outgained the Raiders 383 to 260 total yards in their last meeting. They had more first downs. They ran the ball better (151 yards to a measly 27 for Vegas). Yet, they lost.
Why? Penalties and missed opportunities. Baltimore committed 11 penalties for 109 yards. You can’t do that in the NFL. You just can’t.
A History of "Monday Night" Madness
Go back to 2021. Season opener. Monday Night Football.
That game was an absolute fever dream. It was the first regular-season game with fans at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The energy was vibrating. The Ravens led by 14. Then the Raiders tied it. Then the Ravens took the lead again with 37 seconds left.
Then Derek Carr—yeah, remember him?—marched the Raiders down for a field goal to force overtime.
The overtime period was pure comedy and tragedy. Carr threw what looked like a game-ending interception, only for the Raiders to get the ball back and win it on a walk-off touchdown to Zay Jones. Final score: 33-27.
The Baltimore Ravens vs Las Vegas Raiders series is currently led by Baltimore (8-5 all-time), but the Raiders have won the last two meetings. That’s a trend that should make every Ravens fan a little nervous the next time they see the Raiders on the schedule.
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The Key Matchups That Define the Rivalry
- The Mobile QB vs. The Disciplined Edge: Lamar Jackson against Maxx Crosby is peak football. Jackson tries to extend plays; Crosby tries to finish them. When Crosby stays disciplined and doesn't over-pursue, the Ravens' offense stutters.
- The Kicker Battle: Justin Tucker is the GOAT. There’s no debate. But Daniel Carlson is incredibly clutch. In the 2024 game, Carlson out-dueled Tucker, going 4-for-4 on field goals, including two from over 50 yards.
- The Power Run Game: When the Ravens brought in Derrick Henry, it was supposed to be the "cheat code." Henry did his thing in 2024, bulldozing for 84 yards and a score, but the Raiders' defense tightened up when it mattered most.
What to Watch For Next Time
If you're betting on or just watching the next installment of the Baltimore Ravens vs Las Vegas Raiders, ignore the records.
The Raiders tend to play "up" to their competition. They thrive in the underdog role. Meanwhile, the Ravens sometimes struggle with discipline against aggressive, blitz-heavy teams.
Keep an eye on the turnover margin. In these close games, one tipped pass or a fumbled snap usually decides the whole thing. In the 2024 clash, both teams had one turnover, but the Ravens' 11 penalties acted like three extra turnovers in terms of lost momentum.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
- Watch the "Game-Wreakers": If Maxx Crosby isn't being double-teamed or chipped by a tight end, the Ravens' passing game will fall apart.
- Respect the Raiders' Special Teams: Most people assume Baltimore has the edge in kicking. Recent history shows that's a coin flip at best.
- Monitor the Fourth Quarter: These two teams almost always play one-score games that come down to the final two minutes. If you're a bettor, the "Live Under" or "Live Over" in the fourth quarter is where the real action happens.
- Check the Injury Report on the O-Line: Baltimore's success against Vegas depends entirely on their ability to protect Lamar. If they are starting a backup tackle, expect a long day for the offense.
The Baltimore Ravens vs Las Vegas Raiders matchup is proof that stars alone don't win games—execution does. Baltimore has the MVPs and the Hall of Fame resumes, but Las Vegas has the grit to pull them into the mud and win there. It's one of the most underrated rivalries in the AFC.
Keep an eye on the schedule for the next time these two square off. No matter what the pundits say, it’s going to be a wild ride.