Expert predictions for Ravens vs. Falcons: Who will win ‘Sunday Night Football’ clash?

The Ravens (3-1) will face the Atlanta Falcons (2-2) at 8:20 p.m. Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Here are game predictions from The Banner’s sports staff and a guest picker.

With Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (ankle) and outside linebacker Trey Hendrickson (finger) sidelined, Atlanta is favored by 3.5 points as of Friday night, according to DraftKings.

It’s all about the big boys

Kyle Goon, columnist (3-1): It’s easy to look at the injury report, with Lamar Jackson and Trey Hendrickson out, and predict a loss. But even with those guys available, I think the Ravens would struggle a lot this weekend. In its past two wins, Atlanta has dictated the terms at the line of scrimmage. The Falcons have crushed teams’ attempts to run on them, and Bijan Robinson has stretched opponents to the limit on his outside-zone runs.

Both of these areas are big weaknesses for the Ravens so far this season. Derrick Henry has been limited by how much push the injured offensive line can create for him. Tyler Huntley is a serviceable backup, but it’s a big ask for him to create the vertical threat needed to lighten the boxes for Henry. On the other side, the Ravens haven’t been slowing down the run very effectively. It’s easy to see Robinson having yet another big primetime game against a defense still trying to figure itself out.

Falcons 24, Ravens 17

Ravens get run over

Giana Han, reporter (3-1): I’m happy to let offensive coordinator Declan Doyle prove me wrong in my pick. If he can scheme around Lamar Jackson’s absence against the Falcons’ stout run defense, then I will rethink how I make predictions.

But based on what I’ve seen from Tyler Huntley and what I know about this offensive line, I have real concerns about how explosive and efficient the Ravens can be Sunday. Will they be able to convert in the red zone, or will they have to rely on Tyler Loop to get on the board?

Meanwhile, the Falcons’ offense has been unstoppable on the ground, and the Ravens’ secondary presents an opportunity for their passing game to take off. Maybe the defense will be galvanized by all the Georgia guys returning home, but this is not the easy win it looked like it would be at the start of the season.

Falcons 24, Ravens 20

Ground control

Jonas Shaffer, reporter (3-1): If this game goes south for Jesse Minter’s defense, it could go really south. The Ravens don’t need to look back too far to see what happens when you show up to a primetime game with no run defense. The Detroit Lions ran them off the field in Baltimore last season.

But the Ravens should have the personnel to keep Atlanta’s rushing attack from a big game. And their pass defense is well equipped to limit the Falcons’ play-action potential. If the Ravens can handle Atlanta’s surprisingly potent pass rush, there will be opportunities for Tyler Huntley downfield.

Ravens 24, Falcons 23

Advantage in the trenches

Childs Walker, contributor (2-2): Tyler Huntley is starting at quarterback, which means the Ravens’ offense will lack the explosive element that sets it apart. That’s no knock on Huntley, who has won big games for this team. He, like most people, just can’t compare to Lamar Jackson as a big-play igniter. That will be a problem against the surging Falcons, who can score quickly and often with Bijan Robinson and Drake London as their featured playmakers. The worst news for the Ravens is how well both Atlanta fronts are playing. The Ravens are dealing with significant injuries on both lines and will be sorely tested. Jesse Minter will come in with a plan to limit Robinson’s breakaway chances, but he’ll need his own running game to help keep Atlanta off the field. This won’t be the licking some fans fear; it’s just the wrong matchup at the wrong time for the Ravens.

Falcons 24, Ravens 23

Bludgeoned by Bijan

Brandon Weigel, editor (3-1): Even before Lamar Jackson was ruled out, this game was trending in the wrong direction for the Ravens. Atlanta has looked like a juggernaut since Michael Penix Jr. returned to start Week 3. Merely competent quarterback play has allowed Bijan Robinson to go off — he’s rushed for 339 yards in the past two games and averaged 7.1 yards per carry.

Baltimore’s run defense is a top-10 unit but has not looked like the dominant unit it historically has been. In Week 1, the Ravens conceded 98 yards and two touchdowns to Indianapolis’ Jonathan Taylor, the only back they’ve faced this season who’s in a similar class to Robinson. Atlanta, meanwhile, has dominated opposing running backs. With Baltimore’s patchwork interior line failing to open up holes for Derrick Henry, that trend should continue.

Falcons 27, Ravens 17

Guest pick

Daniel Flick, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: The Falcons have been a buzz saw in primetime games the past three seasons, and with the first “red-out” in Mercedes-Benz Stadium history looming Sunday night, the stars align for Atlanta to keep its wave of momentum rolling for another week. Tyler Huntley is 1-2 against Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski, with a convincing win in Cleveland two years ago, and the Falcons think Baltimore’s offense won’t be drastically different with its backup quarterback. The Falcons have the NFL’s best run defense, and while Derrick Henry certainly changes the calculus, I’ll give the edge to Atlanta’s trench play on both sides of the ball. That, ultimately, will be the difference.

Falcons 20, Ravens 13