A matchup of two first-place teams is on the horizon when the Seahawks make the 2,000+ mile trip to Baltimore to play the Ravens.
The Ravens (6-2) have won three in a row to take over the top spot in the AFC North.
It’s the Seahawks’ first trip to Baltimore since their 35-6 win in 2015 and only the second trip in the last 20 years.
With kickoff just 48 hours away, here’s who the experts pick.
NFL.com--Ravens
NFL.com is picking Baltimore to win at home.
In a week with a handful of heavyweight matchups, this slugfest between coastal elites might be my favorite. High-powered offenses, hard-hitting defenses — what more can you ask for? Mistake-free football, if you’re Pete Carroll. Seattle ranks second in the NFL in penalties per game, many of them of the pre-snap variety that put the Seahawks behind the sticks before they can even get going. They also rank in the league’s bottom tier on third down — both on offense (35.4%; 23rd) and defense (45.3%; 30th). The ‘Hawks largely have been able to overcome their self-inflicted errors thanks to a very forgiving schedule (.368 strength of victory), but continued carelessness will not fly against the Ravens. Especially not at M&T Bank Stadium, where Lamar Jackson boasts a .765 career winning percentage (26-8) — the fourth-best home win rate among active QBs since 2018.
Baltimore Sun--Ravens
Three of four experts at the Baltimore Sun are picking the home team.
This is a good midseason test for both teams. The Ravens will have the best playmaker in Lamar Jackson and the better all-around defense. But Seattle will make them earn drives on offense and has the weapons to punish defensive lapses. The Ravens will build another early lead and hang on with support from their home crowd.
ESPN--Ravens
Seven of the ten experts at ESPN are picking the Ravens.
CBS Sports--Ravens
Pete Prisco of CBS Sports is picking the Ravens to win.
The Ravens beat the Cardinals in lackluster style last week, while Seattle came back to beat the Browns and P.J. Walker. The Seattle defense is improving every week, and adding Leonard Williams will help, but this is a long trip against a team that can score. Look for Lamar Jackson to play better than he did last week.
Bleacher Report--Ravens
The guys at Bleacher Report are picking Baltimore.
Pro Football Talk--Ravens
Pro Foootball Talk is picking Baltimore.
The Seahawks have done better than expected this year. Winning in Baltimore might be too much to expect.
USA Today--Ravens
All of the experts at USA Today are picking Baltimore.
33rd Team--Ravens
The 33rd Team is picking Baltimore.
