The season is absolutely flying by and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in the midst of undoubtedly the toughest part of their schedule. With the Baltimore Ravens coming to town, they may serve as one of the best teams this Bucs’ team sees at home during this 2024 season. Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry and the rest of their offense is on a mission to be the best, but ultimately their goal is to win a championship this year.
Now that Vita Vea’s status is confirmed as ACTIVE for tonight’s game, there is much more clarity as to how the Bucs will plan to stop this Ravens rushing attack. It’ll be an intricate gameplan from head coach Todd Bowles, but it will start with the interior duo of Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey being able to control the line of scrimmage.
Both of these teams sport a 4-2 record and have high aspirations when it comes to the playoffs this year. It’s a long season and a week seven match-up, but it’s not wildly outlandish to say this is a potential Super Bowl preview.
What’s in store this week in an epic cross-conference battle? The 813’s staff gives you their predictions:
JC Cornell (@CornellNFL)
Buccaneers return home to Raymond James stadium to face in my opinion the toughest game of the year against the Ravens. This is the first home game since Milton and I expect this Bucs team to play their asses off for this crowd and this city. This game is going to come down to the Buccaneers defense. They have to contain Lamar Jackson & Derrick Henry to keep this game close. With Vita Vea playing I believe they do. It comes down to the Buccaneers creating clutch turnovers to win this game.
Bucs 35 - Ravens 31
Samer Ali (@TheSamerAli)
The return of Vita Vea, Antoine Winfield Jr., and Calijah Kancey couldn’t come at a better time for this Bucs defense. They’re up against the league’s top rushing attack with Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson, a two-headed monster that must be stopped. Kancey, Vita, and the rest of the front seven will be a tough matchup for the Ravens’ offensive line, forcing Lamar to rely more on his arm. Logan Hall looks primed for another big game in what's shaping up to be a breakout season.
While Lamar has kept mistakes to a minimum this season, it’s a different story when your opponents know you're one-dimensional. That should open things up for the Bucs’ secondary, which wants to continue where they left off last Sunday. Insert Zyon McCollum grinning graphic here. With Whitehead, Tykee Smith, Christian Izien, and Winfield able to play all over Todd Bowles’ scheme, Jackson will face some defensive versatility he’s not used to, along with Bowles’ exotic blitz packages. Oh by the way, those guys are also included in that as well.
On offense, Baker Mayfield and coordinator Liam Coen will look to continue their fast starts. Armed with a three-headed running back rotation, they’ll work to neutralize an aggressive Ravens defense. Though running won’t come easy, expect the Bucs to attack Baltimore’s secondary on the outside, while mixing in the quick passing game and screens to their backs. Do I even have to mention Chris Godwin at this point? The Bucs win this hard-fought, smash-mouth battle, with Baker and the offense closing out the game on their terms. A chance at redemption after their Atlanta struggles? You bet.
Bucs 31 - Ravens 27
Rock Riley (@realrockriley)
The Bucs pull off the upset, combining another strong running attack with Baker Mayfield spreading it around.
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry will put up some big numbers but it won’t be enough. Bucs go to 5-2!
Bucs 31 - Ravens 28
Stank Bastard (@StankBastard)
This is going to be a tough game. No sugarcoating it. A bloody fistfight. This game is a test. Is this Buccaneers team for real?
I say they are. It’s going to be a close one.
Bucs 31 - Ravens 12
James Yarcho (@JYarcho_BUCS)
The Buccaneers haven't won a game against Baltimore in over two decades and this game is a huge one for Tampa in prime time. Against the league's best rushing offense and rushing defense, the Bucs will have their hands full with Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson while Baker Mayfield is going to have to lead the offensive charge.
This one is going to come down to the wire and will be high scoring, but in front of their home fans for the first time since hurricane Milton, the Bucs are energized and up to the challenge.
Bucs 31 - Ravens 27
Jaret Rojas (@RojasTalksTampa)
One of the most electric games of the Buccaneers season will take place on Monday Night in Raymond James Stadium this season. The MVP of football, Lamar Jackson, makes his way down to Tampa, sporting a 22-1 record against NFC teams in his career.
With their offensive firepower, they will surely be able to put up their share of points. But not allowing Baltimore to control the trenches will be pivotal to the team’s overall success. Ravens’ RB Derrick Henry also brings a type of physicality that forces multiple defenders to bring him down and wears defenses out as the game goes on.
It will heavily rely on Baker Mayfield staying poised and continuing to have success with his receivers. Baltimore comes in as one of the league’s best rushing defenses, but they also give up a lot of passing yards, ranking dead last in all of football, averaging 275 passing yards allowed per game. You know Baltimore’s defense is going to try everything to stop Chris Godwin. But will they be able to stop the league’s hottest receiver?
I doubt it.
Bucs 38 - Ravens 28
Jordan Irizarry (@IzzyPhantasmo)
After a historic win on the road in New Orleans, the Bucs are looking to build on that momentum from last week, but the Ravens pose a big challenge.
With the best rushing offense, the Defensive has to be on their “p’s and q’s” and contain Derrick Henry to limited carries and force the Ravens to be one dimensional. Limit Derrick Henry to less than 100 yards on the ground, and force Lamar to beat you with his arm. If that happens, Coach Bowles has a chance to put pressure on the Ravens and force them to play his game.
Baker and the offense have to start fast. The Ravens have the best rushing defense in the league, so I wouldn’t expect another 277 yard showing from the run game. What I can expect is the passing game to set the running game up to takeover later on in the game. Baker has to be effective, efficient and keep it clean (which means no turnovers) to keep Baltimores offense off the field for as long as they can. The best defense is a good offense, and this offense can put up 30+ points when they’re clicking on all cylinders.
This game is going to be physical and has the makings of a high scoring affair, but it’s the first home game since Hurricane Milton rolled through the Tampa Bay Area. Emotions will be high, but a new sense of pride will be on display in Raymond James.
On Monday Night, the Buccaneers will be playing For The Krewe.
Bucs 35 - Ravens 17
Bucs (4-2) vs Ravens (4-2) Game Information
When: Monday, October 21st 2024
Where: Raymond James Stadium (Tampa, FL)
Kickoff: 8:15 p.m. ET
TV: ABC/ESPN/ESPN2 - Joe Buck (Play-by-Play), Troy Aikman (Color Commentary), Laura Rutledge (Sideline)
ESPN 2 ManningCast - Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, Bill Belichick, Guests TBA
Bucs Radio: 98Rock – Gene Deckerhoff (Play by Play), Dave Moore (Color), T.J. Rives (Reporter)
Spanish Radio: 96.1 Caliente – Carlos Bohorquez (Play by Play), Martín Gramática (Analyst), Santiago Gramatica (Sideline Reporter)
The season is absolutely flying by and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in the midst of undoubtedly the toughest part of their schedule. With the Baltimore Ravens coming to town, they may serve as one of the best teams this Bucs’ team sees at home during this 2024 season. Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry and the rest of their offense is on a mission to be the best, but ultimately their goal is to win a championship this year.
Now that Vita Vea’s status is confirmed as ACTIVE for tonight’s game, there is much more clarity as to how the Bucs will plan to stop this Ravens rushing attack. It’ll be an intricate gameplan from head coach Todd Bowles, but it will start with the interior duo of Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey being able to control the line of scrimmage.
Both of these teams sport a 4-2 record and have high aspirations when it comes to the playoffs this year. It’s a long season and a week seven match-up, but it’s not wildly outlandish to say this is a potential Super Bowl preview.
What’s in store this week in an epic cross-conference battle? The 813’s staff gives you their predictions:
JC Cornell (@CornellNFL)
Buccaneers return home to Raymond James stadium to face in my opinion the toughest game of the year against the Ravens. This is the first home game since Milton and I expect this Bucs team to play their asses off for this crowd and this city. This game is going to come down to the Buccaneers defense. They have to contain Lamar Jackson & Derrick Henry to keep this game close. With Vita Vea playing I believe they do. It comes down to the Buccaneers creating clutch turnovers to win this game.
Bucs 35 - Ravens 31
Samer Ali (@TheSamerAli)
The return of Vita Vea, Antoine Winfield Jr., and Calijah Kancey couldn’t come at a better time for this Bucs defense. They’re up against the league’s top rushing attack with Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson, a two-headed monster that must be stopped. Kancey, Vita, and the rest of the front seven will be a tough matchup for the Ravens’ offensive line, forcing Lamar to rely more on his arm. Logan Hall looks primed for another big game in what's shaping up to be a breakout season.
While Lamar has kept mistakes to a minimum this season, it’s a different story when your opponents know you're one-dimensional. That should open things up for the Bucs’ secondary, which wants to continue where they left off last Sunday. Insert Zyon McCollum grinning graphic here. With Whitehead, Tykee Smith, Christian Izien, and Winfield able to play all over Todd Bowles’ scheme, Jackson will face some defensive versatility he’s not used to, along with Bowles’ exotic blitz packages. Oh by the way, those guys are also included in that as well.
On offense, Baker Mayfield and coordinator Liam Coen will look to continue their fast starts. Armed with a three-headed running back rotation, they’ll work to neutralize an aggressive Ravens defense. Though running won’t come easy, expect the Bucs to attack Baltimore’s secondary on the outside, while mixing in the quick passing game and screens to their backs. Do I even have to mention Chris Godwin at this point? The Bucs win this hard-fought, smash-mouth battle, with Baker and the offense closing out the game on their terms. A chance at redemption after their Atlanta struggles? You bet.
Bucs 31 - Ravens 27
Rock Riley (@realrockriley)
The Bucs pull off the upset, combining another strong running attack with Baker Mayfield spreading it around.
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry will put up some big numbers but it won’t be enough. Bucs go to 5-2!
Bucs 31 - Ravens 28
Stank Bastard (@StankBastard)
This is going to be a tough game. No sugarcoating it. A bloody fistfight. This game is a test. Is this Buccaneers team for real?
I say they are. It’s going to be a close one.
Bucs 31 - Ravens 12
James Yarcho (@JYarcho_BUCS)
The Buccaneers haven't won a game against Baltimore in over two decades and this game is a huge one for Tampa in prime time. Against the league's best rushing offense and rushing defense, the Bucs will have their hands full with Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson while Baker Mayfield is going to have to lead the offensive charge.
This one is going to come down to the wire and will be high scoring, but in front of their home fans for the first time since hurricane Milton, the Bucs are energized and up to the challenge.
Bucs 31 - Ravens 27
Jaret Rojas (@RojasTalksTampa)
One of the most electric games of the Buccaneers season will take place on Monday Night in Raymond James Stadium this season. The MVP of football, Lamar Jackson, makes his way down to Tampa, sporting a 22-1 record against NFC teams in his career.
With their offensive firepower, they will surely be able to put up their share of points. But not allowing Baltimore to control the trenches will be pivotal to the team’s overall success. Ravens’ RB Derrick Henry also brings a type of physicality that forces multiple defenders to bring him down and wears defenses out as the game goes on.
It will heavily rely on Baker Mayfield staying poised and continuing to have success with his receivers. Baltimore comes in as one of the league’s best rushing defenses, but they also give up a lot of passing yards, ranking dead last in all of football, averaging 275 passing yards allowed per game. You know Baltimore’s defense is going to try everything to stop Chris Godwin. But will they be able to stop the league’s hottest receiver?
I doubt it.
Bucs 38 - Ravens 28
Jordan Irizarry (@IzzyPhantasmo)
After a historic win on the road in New Orleans, the Bucs are looking to build on that momentum from last week, but the Ravens pose a big challenge.
With the best rushing offense, the Defensive has to be on their “p’s and q’s” and contain Derrick Henry to limited carries and force the Ravens to be one dimensional. Limit Derrick Henry to less than 100 yards on the ground, and force Lamar to beat you with his arm. If that happens, Coach Bowles has a chance to put pressure on the Ravens and force them to play his game.
Baker and the offense have to start fast. The Ravens have the best rushing defense in the league, so I wouldn’t expect another 277 yard showing from the run game. What I can expect is the passing game to set the running game up to takeover later on in the game. Baker has to be effective, efficient and keep it clean (which means no turnovers) to keep Baltimores offense off the field for as long as they can. The best defense is a good offense, and this offense can put up 30+ points when they’re clicking on all cylinders.
This game is going to be physical and has the makings of a high scoring affair, but it’s the first home game since Hurricane Milton rolled through the Tampa Bay Area. Emotions will be high, but a new sense of pride will be on display in Raymond James.
On Monday Night, the Buccaneers will be playing For The Krewe.
Bucs 35 - Ravens 17
Bucs (4-2) vs Ravens (4-2) Game Information
When: Monday, October 21st 2024
Where: Raymond James Stadium (Tampa, FL)
Kickoff: 8:15 p.m. ET
TV: ABC/ESPN/ESPN2 - Joe Buck (Play-by-Play), Troy Aikman (Color Commentary), Laura Rutledge (Sideline)
ESPN 2 ManningCast - Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, Bill Belichick, Guests TBA
Bucs Radio: 98Rock – Gene Deckerhoff (Play by Play), Dave Moore (Color), T.J. Rives (Reporter)
Spanish Radio: 96.1 Caliente – Carlos Bohorquez (Play by Play), Martín Gramática (Analyst), Santiago Gramatica (Sideline Reporter)