The Baltimore Ravens will be in action for the first time in the 2024 season, and in the battle of attrition over 18 weeks, they’ll need their depth to not only step up at times but play well in spot duty. The Ravens are the nightcap of the Friday slate of Week 1, taking on the Philadelphia Eagles.
Here is everything you need to know surrounding the Eagles vs. Ravens Week 1 preseason game, including the channel, start time, live stream options, and more.
How to Watch Philadelphia Eagles at Baltimore Ravens
- Start time: Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Channel: Local
- Live stream options: NFL+
- Radio stations: Eagles Gameday Radio, Ravens Gameday Coverage
- Starting QBs: Kenny Pickett, Josh Johnson
- Betting lines:
- Spread: PHI -1.5
- Total: 34.5
- Moneyline: PHI -120, BAL +100
Baltimore gears up for another run at the Lombardi Trophy with QB Lamar Jackson under center. However, some other areas of the offense saw some shuffling, specifically the RB room. Since Jackson was drafted, the Ravens have consistently had one of the best-ranked rushing attacks in the NFL. In 2023, they led the NFL with 2,661 rushing yards and 541 carries.
While Jackson was a large part of that total, so was Gus Edwards, who signed a two-year, $6.5 million contract with the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency. Running back J.K. Dobbins also signed with the Chargers.
But the Ravens didn’t stand pat; they brought in former Tennessee Titans star and NFL leading rusher Derrick Henry to take over the RB room. Meanwhile, Justice Hill and rookie Rasheen Ali will see most of the action in the preseason.
Even throughout the defense, the Ravens are relying heavily on their scouting eye, as many players went elsewhere in free agency. Queen signed with the Steelers, cornerback Ronald Darby signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, and linebacker Jadeveon Clowney joined the Panthers, among others.
The Ravens are doubling down on their homegrown defensive talent while continuing to identify pieces in the draft.
Eagles at Ravens Betting Preview
The Baltimore Ravens may have lost their preseason winning streak last year, but we know they take these games seriously.
They do not have incredible QB depth, even if Josh Johnson is a solid veteran option. Last year, they defeated the Eagles by one point in a very competitive game, and they arguably had better depth options at key positions then.
Of course, the Eagles will take it seriously, but will they be as ultra-competitive as the Ravens? I think the Ravens ultimately take it, but their days of dominating preseason games may be done for a little while.
For more betting analysis, make sure to check out PFN’s Week 1 preseason picks and predictions.
Fantasy Players to Watch
WR Rashod Bateman
The Ravens typically don’t play starters at all in the preseason. Even if they do, we know who Lamar Jackson, Mark Andrews, Zay Flowers, and Derrick Henry are. The only real fantasy-relevant question mark on this offense is Rashod Bateman.
Now entering his fourth season, Bateman has not even come close to fantasy relevance yet. However, we have gotten a lot of offseason coach-speak about Bateman being in store for a big year. If he does play in the preseason, let’s see if he looks the part.
RB Will Shipley
The Eagles don’t play starters during the preseason. Saquon Barkley may be a new addition to the team this year, but it’s highly unlikely we see him before Week 1. The rest of the offense is returning from last year. That leaves rookie RB Will Shipley as the most interesting player to get a glimpse of for fantasy purposes.
Kenneth Gainwell is still the presumptive RB2 behind Barkley, but it will still be beneficial to see what Shipley can do. If something were to happen to Barkley, Gainwell is likely to share the backfield with someone. If we know Shipley can play at a high level, he could be a sneaky in-season pickup if Barkley is sidelined.
For more fantasy analysis, make sure to check out PFN’s fantasy players to watch during the NFL preseason.
