For just the third time ever — and the first time in Rio de Janeiro — the NFL is heading to Brazil, and it's bringing a superstar-level matchup. Lamar Jackson leads the Baltimore Ravens against Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys in a showdown between two teams with Super Bowl hopes. Both teams enter Sunday's contest 1-1.
The Ravens impressed in a 41-23 Week 1 win over the Colts but struggled down the stretch on both sides of the ball in a 24-17 Week 2 upset loss to the Saints. The Cowboys, meanwhile, bounced back from a 28-20 Week 1 loss with a 37-20 romp over the Commanders. Prescott threw four touchdown passes and passed Tony Romo for most passing touchdowns in Cowboys history during the rout.
It could be a high-scoring affair in Brazil's second-most populous city. Jackson showed some excellent play in Week 1 before a quieter Week 2, but it could be a major bounce-back opportunity against a Cowboys defense still figuring things out under new offensive coordinator Christian Parker. Currently, Dallas is allowing a league-high 6.1 yards per play.
And if it's not Jackson doing the damage, the ageless Derrick Henry will look to plow through an iffy run defense. Henry's 212 rushing yards are second-most in the NFL through two weeks. But Prescott has plenty of firepower to match.
CeeDee Lamb is off to a terrific start with 13 catches for 197 yards and three touchdowns, and it should be only a matter of time before George Pickens gets going, too. Pickens, coming off a 1,429-yard season in 2025, has just 68 yards through two games. The Ravens' defense showed some good signs but, like Dallas, is adjusting to a new play caller.
Jesse Minter was one of the best in the business the last two years for the Chargers, and it should come around sooner rather than later. Superstar quarterbacks in the spotlight: After a ridiculous Week 1 — 324 yards and a touchdown passing, plus 40 rush yards and a touchdown running — Jackson was far less effective in Week 2. The Cowboys' defense should present plenty of opportunities, especially on the ground: Jayden Daniels was on his way to a monster day rushing before his injury, and in Week 1, Jaxson Dart churned through Dallas' defense.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
