Folks, buckle up, because we’re headin’ to Northwest Stadium for a Saturday showdown that’s gonna light up the Beltway like a Fourth of July sparkler! It’s the Baltimore Ravens takin’ on the Washington Commanders, August 23, 2025, kickin’ off at 12:00 p.m. ET on NFL+. The Ravens are rollin’ in at 2-0, fresh off beatin’ Indianapolis and Dallas, while the Commanders are 0-2, lookin’ to shake off losses to New England and Cincinnati. This ain’t about the big names – most starters are sittin’ pretty on the sidelines – it’s about those bubble guys, the undrafted rookies, the depth players fightin’ for a spot on that 53-man roster. Boom! That’s the heart of this preseason finale – raw hunger, big hits, and a few plays that could ripple into the regular season. Let’s break it down like we’re callin’ it from the booth, with that Troy Aikman precision and John Madden passion.
Ravens’ Side: Baltimore’s Preseason Dominance
The Ravens are a preseason juggernaut, and let me tell ya, John Harbaugh’s got this team playin’ like it’s the AFC Championship in August. They kicked off with a 24-16 win over the Colts in Week 1, where the backups moved the ball well and the defense forced key stops. Last week’s 31-13 thumpin’ of Dallas was a statement – backup QB Cooper Rush threw for 162 yards and a touchdown, while rookie RB Rasheen Ali ran for 62 yards on 19 carries. Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and the first-teamers are likely takin’ a breather, so expect Rush, Josh Johnson, and maybe Devin Leary to sling it as they sort out the QB depth.
What’s got me excited is the running back and secondary battles. Ali’s been a spark, but he’s fightin’ with D’Ernest Johnson and Myles Gaskin for that fourth RB spot behind Henry, Justice Hill, and Keaton Mitchell. At corner, undrafted rookie Jay Higgins and Keyon Martin are scrappin’ for roster spots, and a big interception or special teams play could seal it. The Ravens’ defense has been stingy, holdin’ opponents to 29 points across two games, and they’re 10-1 against top-10 offenses since 2023. No major injuries reported, but with Kyle Hamilton nursin’ a minor issue, young DBs like Nate Wiggins could shine. Special teams is huge – Devin Duvernay’s return game has been electric, and a big play could swing momentum. After two dominant wins, Baltimore’s lookin’ to keep that perfect preseason streak alive and carry swagger into Week 1.
Commanders’ Perspective: Washington’s Search for Momentum
Over in D.C., the Commanders are still findin’ their footing under Dan Quinn. They got smoked 48-18 by the Patriots in Week 1, where the offense struggled and special teams faltered. Last week’s 31-17 loss to Cincinnati was better, but QB Jayden Daniels went 2-for-5 for 19 yards, and the defense gave up big plays late. Daniels and most starters are sittin’ this one out, so it’s Jake Haener, Payton Thorne, and maybe Jeff Driskel under center, battlin’ to lock in the backup job. The Commanders are 0-2, and avoidin’ an 0-3 finish is critical to buildin’ some positive vibes before their regular-season opener against the Giants.
The battles to watch are at running back and receiver. Rookie RB Michael Wiley’s been a bright spot, rushin’ for 45 yards against Cincy, and he’s pushin’ to back up Brian Robinson Jr. At wideout, Dyami Brown and Olamide Zaccheaus are fightin’ for depth roles, with Brown’s speed makin’ him a vertical threat. Defensively, Washington’s been solid against the run but soft in the secondary, givin’ up 250 passin’ yards last week. No major injuries, but Terry McLaurin’s questionable with a minor tweak, so guys like Jahan Dotson might see more targets. Special teams needs work – Chris Rodriguez Jr.’s kick returns have been inconsistent, and a big play could help his case. Playin’ at home with that D.C. crowd – even in preseason – gives ‘em a lift, but they’re up against a Ravens team that’s been a preseason buzzsaw.
Key Matchups and Game-Changing Factors
Boom! This game’s gonna be a war of depth and desperation. The Ravens’ backup QBs against Washington’s secondary is a big one – if Rush or Johnson exploit those coverage lapses, Baltimore could pile up points. On the flip side, the Commanders’ run game versus Baltimore’s front seven – Wiley needs to break loose to keep the offense on schedule, but the Ravens’ defense is a brick wall. Special teams could be the difference; a Duvernay return or a blocked punt by a hungry rookie might flip the script.
Weather in Landover should be warm and humid, typical late-August stuff, which could lead to slick hands or tired legs in the fourth quarter. The home crowd at Northwest Stadium will bring some noise, but Baltimore’s used to hostile environments. With cutdown day loomin’ on August 26, every snap’s a job interview – expect high effort but maybe some penalties from overzealous backups. A historical wrinkle: the Commanders snapped Baltimore’s 24-game preseason win streak in 2023 with a 29-28 thriller, so there’s a bit of bad blood. Harbaugh’s crew might have a chip on their shoulder to reclaim dominance, while Quinn’s pushin’ his squad to avoid an 0-3 skid.
Final Prediction
Alright, straight from the gut: The Ravens’ depth and preseason pedigree give ‘em the edge, even on the road. I’m callin’ Baltimore to roll to a 27-16 win, coverin’ the spread as Washington’s backups struggle to keep up.
3 Best Bets
- Ravens Moneyline (-142): Baltimore’s 2-0 with a history of preseason dominance. They’re the safer bet to keep rollin’ against a winless Commanders squad.
- Under 35.5 Total Points (-110): Both teams are playin’ backups, and Washington’s offense has been shaky. Expect a low-scorin’ grind with defensive stops.
- Ravens -2.5 (-110): Baltimore’s depth and motivation to avenge that 2023 loss lead to a multi-score win, coverin’ the spread comfortably.
For more NFL picks and previews, check out my NFL previews.
