Ravens vs. Eagles Picks and Predictions: Tight Spread in Battle of the Birds Preseason Opener

• The Ravens beat the Eagles 20-19 in the preseason last year.

• Baltimore hopes to begin a new postseason winning streak.

• Josh Johnson and Kenny Pickett should be the starting quarterbacks.

The most intriguing game during the first full week of NFL preseason games should be the regional rivalry between the Baltimore Ravens and the Philadelphia Eagles. Both teams figure to have high aspirations for the 2024 campaign. They also met last season during the preseason with the Ravens escaping with a 20-19 win.

The Ravens have been dominant in exhibition games under John Harbaugh. Last year’s win over the Eagles was Baltimore’s 24th consecutive preseason win. Of course, that streak ended the following week, so now the Ravens are looking to begin a new preseason winning streak while also preparing for the upcoming season.

Ravens vs. Eagles Odds

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Ravens vs. Eagles Pick

• My Pick: Ravens ML (+100) at FanDuel Sportsbook

As mentioned, the Ravens had a 24-game preseason winning streak that ended last season. That’s far too much winning in preseason games just to ignore. Baltimore is also playing at home and has a veteran quarterback in Josh Johnson starting in place of Lamar Jackson. That should be enough to lift the Ravens to a win.

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Ravens vs. Eagles Predictions

With this being the first preseason game for both teams, the reps for starters will be limited. That means this will be largely a battle of backups, as well as a battle of third-stringers during the second half. Of course, both squads already have deep rosters, so even the backups are decent players. Those players will also be motivated to earn a spot on the 53-man roster.

Philadelphia Eagles

For the Eagles, backup quarterback Kenny Pickett should see a lot of the field. While his job backing up Jalen Hurts looks safe, he’ll figure he has something to prove after getting dumped by the Steelers. However, he’ll likely be surrounded by a lot of rookies among Philadelphia’s offensive backups, most of whom weren’t early-round selections. 

Defensively, it could be a different story for the Eagles. They have some young linebackers who were early-round draft picks but haven’t solidified a starting job. The Philadelphia secondary also has good depth. This could allow the Philly defense to give the Baltimore offense some trouble, which is part of the reason why the Eagles are a slight favorite on the road.

Baltimore Ravens

As for the Ravens, they aren’t going to risk Lamar Jackson’s health the first week of preseason action. That will give Josh Johnson and sixth-round rookie Devin Leary plenty of time on the field. The 38-year-old Johnson was Baltimore’s third-string quarterback last season and should be familiar with the playbook. He’s also an experienced backup who should be set up for a strong performance in the preseason.

Leary, meanwhile, should also get plenty of reps after the Ravens used a draft pick on him. Whether he can succeed with questionable wide receivers and offensive linemen among Baltimore’s backups is another story. Meanwhile, the Baltimore defense has some interesting options among the backups, which should help the Ravens avoid being an easy target for the Philadelphia offense in their first action of the preseason.

How to Watch Eagles vs. Ravens

• What: Eagles vs Ravens Preseason Week 1

• When: Friday, August 9, 7:30 PM, EST

• Where: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland

• How to Watch: NFL+

Ravens vs. Eagles Injuries

Philadelphia Eagles

• Eagles LB Brandon Smith - Questionable

• Eagles G Tyler Steen - Questionable

• Eagles CB Josh Jobe - Questionable

• Eagles CB Mekhi Garner - Questionable

• Eagles S C.J. Gardner-Johnson - Questionable

Baltimore Ravens

• Ravens WR Rashod Bateman - Questionable

• Ravens CB Arthur Maulet - Questionable

• Ravens LB Odafe Oweh - Questionable

Ravens vs. Eagles Best Promos and Sportsbooks

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