No team allows fewer yards per play than the Denver Broncos. No team gains more yards per play than the Baltimore Ravens. Let’s take this one to Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson – because something’s gotta give.
Astoundingly, all-universe running back and nine-year vet Derrick Henry may be having his best campaign yet. Averaging a Madden-esque 6.5 yards per carry, Henry has notched a rushing or receiving touchdown in every game this season. The Ravens also acquired speedy wideout Dionte Johnson from the Carolina Panthers on Tuesday. Reigning MVP Lamar Jackson has never had this much talent around him, and offensive coordinator Todd Monken has helped sculpt the best scoring attack in the league through two months.
The Ravens will have their work cut out for them against a disciplined Broncos defense. Denver has been racking up sacks under second-year coordinator Vance Joseph, and the team is second in the NFL in red-zone defense. Cornerback Patrick Surtain II continues to play at a high level – if the Broncos make the postseason, his game-changing, 100-yard pick six against the Las Vegas Raiders may be the galvanizing moment.
This one may be dictated by the other side of the action. Under rookie quarterback Bo Nix, the Denver offense is 20th in total scoring, but steadily improving week over week. After tossing four interceptions in his first two games, Nix has just one turnover in his last six. Meanwhile, the Ravens defense is one of the biggest underachievers in football so far. After leading the league in scoring defense in 2023, Baltimore has fallen to 26th in that category this year. With both teams at 5-3, this should be one of the most intriguing matchups on the Week 9 slate.
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(Photo of Lamar Jackson: Perry Knotts / Getty Images)
