Ravens vs. Cowboys predictions, odds and best bet for NFL Week 3: Does Dak send Ravens to 0-3?

Two teams struggling to build momentum through two games are set to collide this Sunday.

The Baltimore Ravens are aiming to break their two-game losing skid against the 1-1 Dallas Cowboys.

High stakes surround this game. Both teams are in serious need of a victory to prove they are capable of finding a spot in the playoffs.

Here's a breakdown of this game, alongside some predictions based off the NFL week 3 odds .

Ravens vs. Cowboys prediction and best bet for NFL Week 3

Our expert's best bet: Over 47.5 (-110) at FanDuel

As the odds indicate, this is a difficult game to predict. I lean toward the Cowboys getting the win here.

The Ravens' inability to prevent passing yardage will play a major factor here. If Dallas can truly put the pressure on as Prescott is claiming, they can and will score touchdowns.

The question remains: how often will Dallas have control of the ball?

Baltimore is almost assuredly going to run early and often in an attempt to break the defense's spirit. This will help them maintain possession and avoid having to fend off the Cowboys' offense.

Expect to see a very close game here. There will be an incredible sense of urgency for both teams from the opening bell.

This is likely to be a high-scoring game over four quarters. With that in mind, it makes sense to take the over at 47.5. FanDuel Sportsbook has the odds for this wager at -110.

Ravens vs. Cowboys moneyline analysis Why the Ravens could win as the favoriteBest odds: -112 at FanDuel

Uncertainty lingers over the mindset of every player on the Baltimore Ravens coming into Sunday's game.

This can be seen as a do-or-die moment, as going 0-3 to start a season is, historically, the end to any postseason hopes.

There are ways in which Baltimore can find success in Dallas. Notably, giving the ball to Derrick Henry and allowing him to charge through a demonstrably weak defensive line.

Last week, Saints running back Alvin Kamara repeatedly earned gains by running the ball.

There is little doubt that this is a strategy Baltimore will look to implement, too.

Running the ball doesn't just help the Ravens earn yardage. It also helps to stifle the attack of Micah Parsons, who has proven to be one of the more effective pass rushers in the league right now.

Forcing Parsons to continuously question where the ball is going gives Lamar Jackson more opportunities to throw.

The longer Baltimore remains on offense, the longer they prevent Dak Prescott and the rest of the Cowboys' offense from gaining the upper hand.

Why the Cowboys could win as the underdog Best odds: -105 at DraftKings

This Sunday could be the Cowboys' chance to earn revenge for past losses to the Ravens. They are in a position to do so, assuming they can gain control of the ball and pressure on offense.

Dak Prescott will need to be in top form this Sunday. If he is, there is a real shot for the Cowboys to quickly put points on the board.

The Ravens' defense is leading the NFL in giving up passing yards through two games.

Prescott will look to exploit this opportunity. He is saying the right things to the media, recently claiming that Dallas will "be the aggressor" in this game.

There is some cause for concern when it comes to how fit CeeDee Lamb (ankle) is for duty.

The 25-year-old wide receiver was put on the Cowboys' injury list following last week's blowout loss to the Saints.

He returned to practice on Thursday and is still expected to play on Sunday. Will he be in top form? That is a question fans will not know until game time.

There are two clear, albeit simplistic goals for Dallas in this game.

They need to rely on Micah Parsons pressuring on defense, while Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliot (or Rico Dowdle) make big plays when given the ball.

Ravens vs. Cowboys NFL week 3 odds The Ravens and Cowboys do not often find themselves competing against each other. In fact, they have only played against one another on five occasions since 2004.

Baltimore has largely dominated the series by going 4-1. Their most recent game came in 2020, in which the Ravens earned the win, 34-17.

Despite the Ravens' track record of success in this matchup, the odds for this upcoming game are nearly even.

DraftKings Sportsbook has the Ravens as the -115 moneyline favorites. The team desperately wants to avoid going 0-3 to start the season and will work hard to pressure the Cowboys' somewhat flawed defense on Sunday.

The Ravens are giving up just 1.5 points on the spread. The Cowboys enter this game as the very slight -105 underdogs.

The Saints made a mockery of the Dallas defensive squad last week - something that must be addressed in order to compete against the top-tier teams later this season.