The NFL International Series is heading to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for a Week 3 matchup between the Ravens and “America’s Team,” the Cowboys.

After the 49ers and Rams kicked off the season in Australia, this game features Lamar Jackson and the Ravens taking on Dak Prescott and the Cowboys in what promises to be an exciting contest in South America.

Unfortunately, both teams are dealing with injuries, with key players on each side unable to participate or expected to be limited in some sort of fashion.

Oddsmakers have set the Ravens as three-point favorites, with the highest projected point total of the week at 52.5.

Ravens vs. Cowboys prediction, best bet

This game pits the Ravens’ tough rushing attack against the Cowboys’ precise aerial assault. 

Offensively, both teams are performing well, ranking third and fourth, respectively, in offensive DVOA after two games. The Ravens have an offensive DVOA of 33.8%, just ahead of the Cowboys at 30.6%.

Focusing on Dak Prescott, he has the potential to exploit a Ravens secondary that is allowing an average of 6.4 yards per pass. CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens are expected to receive plenty of targets for the Cowboys. 

Lamb has been fantastic for Dallas in Weeks 1 and 2, accounting for 13 receptions, 197 yards, and three touchdowns.

However, the main concern is whether their undermanned defense can effectively contain the rushing duo of Jackson and Derrick Henry.

Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, safeties P.J. Locke and Malik Hooker, and cornerback Cobie Durant have all been listed as out on the Cowboys’ latest injury report.

This certainly paves the way for Baltimore’s ground game, especially if Zay Flowers is not 100 percent and, if he does suit up, will be on a snap count. 

Henry is no stranger to the Cowboys defense, lighting them up for 151 yards and two touchdowns back in 2024. 

Despite two years passing, this Cowboys bunch still struggles against opposing ball carriers, ranking near the bottom and surrendering 173.5 rushing yards in two games this season. 

Heading into Week 3, Baltimore boasts the NFL’s top ground game with a league-leading 35.1% rush DVOA, and given Dallas’ depleted defensive unit, expect coordinator Jesse Minter to lean heavily on his two star playmakers in the backfield.

Henry’s anytime touchdown odds have been saturated down to -250 on most books, so instead for a little more juice, take him to cross the pylon in the first half at +110. 

Betting on the NFL?

As for Jackson, he is due for a bounce back following yet another blown lead against the Saints in Week 2. I like his prop for combined passing and rushing yards at an alternate line of 250 or more. 

Dallas will trot out plenty of second and third-string members in the secondary, even with a limited Flowers, Jackson’s ability to escape the pocket and make splash plays should come to fruition. 

The Play: SGP (+115, Fanatics Sportsbook): Lamar Jackson over 250 passing + rushing yards (-220) + Ravens moneyline (-180) | Derrick Henry anytime 1st Half touchdown scorer (+110, DraftKings)

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Mike Turay is a sports journalist and editor who closely follows the NBA, NFL, college sports and UFC. He has demonstrated expertise in both NBA and NFL player prop bets for nearly three years. Mike is also highly knowledgeable about the sportsbook offer landscape, frequently trying and reviewing the latest apps and sites.