Las Vegas Raiders vs. Baltimore Ravens: Game preview and prediction in Week 1

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 21: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrates with tight end Darren Waller #83 after scoring on a 1-yard touchdown reception during the NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on September 21, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Saints 34-24. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 21: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrates with tight end Darren Waller #83 after scoring on a 1-yard touchdown reception during the NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on September 21, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Saints 34-24. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Raiders play the Ravens on Monday night
Dec 29, 2019; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (44) during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Las Vegas Raiders vs. Baltimore Ravens: Game preview and prediction in Week 1

Previewing the matchup

This is a matchup that should go a long way in setting the tempo for the Las Vegas Raiders 2021 schedule. Not only are they playing at home, but fans will finally be in the stands, and we are going to get a good look at what the crowd feeling will be like inside Allegiant Stadium.

The Raiders are also getting the Ravens at a perfect time, as they suffered two more significant injuries on Thursday, losing starting running back Gus Edwards, and Pro Bowl cornerback Marcus Peters. Overall, Baltimore is going to be short-handed on both sides of the ball, which should swing the game to the Raiders’ advantage.

Of course, Lamar Jackson is going to be tough to handle, and he should be able to utilize his arm and his legs to the best of his abilities. The problem is, he does not have many weapons to utilize in the passing game outside of Marquise Brown, and we still have no idea who is going to tote the rock for them, with Edwards, Justice Hill, and J.K. Dobbins all out.

If the Raiders’ defense truly is better in 2021, they should be able to show that on Monday night.