Expert predictions for Ravens vs. Titans: Who will win Week 4 clash?

The Ravens (2-1) will face the Tennessee Titans (0-3) at 1 p.m. Sunday in Baltimore. Here are game predictions from The Banner’s sports staff.

Time for defense to shine

Kyle Goon, columnist (2-1): It’s hard not to have sincere concerns about the Ravens’ offense this week. Rookie Vega Ioane will be up against Jeffery Simmons while playing a new position, which probably won’t help the Ravens’ short-yardage woes. It could be a frustrating week for Derrick Henry, so Lamar Jackson and the passing game need to be on point.

But, if the Ravens’ defense can play to its potential, this game could be a lot easier and snap the franchise’s string of home losses. Cam Ward should give the defense opportunities to capitalize on mistakes. The Ravens have just one interception. It’s time for Jesse Minter and Anthony Weaver to cook up a game plan that will confuse the young quarterback. Even more important, the Ravens’ middling secondary will have to execute it. Malaki Starks and Jaylinn Hawkins, among the defense’s lowest-graded players, need to be better.

Ravens 24, Titans 13

A chance for the secondary to bounce back

Giana Han, reporter (2-1): It’s unfortunate that the Titans’ strongest performer, defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, just happens to line up across from the place where I have the most concerns about the Ravens, which is their interior offensive line. But, if there’s any team to work through things against, it’s the Titans. Their quarterback hasn’t adjusted to the NFL, and they don’t have a running back in the same class as the guy they let go — Derrick Henry. If Henry hits some runs outside the tackles, he might have a resurgent game against his former team.

The Ravens’ other weakest point is their secondary, but without an opposing quarterback who can pick them apart, this might be a great bounce-back game for those players.

Ravens 34, Titans 14

Start fast, or else

Jonas Shaffer, reporter (2-1): This is the worst offense the Ravens will have played this season, which, given the state of the Indianapolis Colts, isn’t saying much. This is also the best defense the Ravens will have played this season, which isn’t saying much, either.

If the Ravens don’t get off to a fast start at home, they could be playing with fire against a double-digit underdog. The Titans have eight first-half first downs. Eight. After halftime, they’ve been a better-than-average offense. The last thing the Ravens want to do is trust this remade interior to hold up against Jeffery Simmons on a gotta-have-it third-and-long.

Ravens 23, Titans 14

Titans offense doesn’t scare you

Childs Walker, contributor (1-2): The prospect of interior menace Jeffery Simmons going at novice center Vega Ioane is enough to make this a testier matchup for the Ravens than the betting line might suggest. For all of winless Tennessee’s woes, its defense, especially against the run, has not been a pushover. That said, the Ravens’ offense is easily the most explosive the Titans have faced, and there’s not much reason to think second-year quarterback Cam Ward can go touchdown for touchdown with Lamar Jackson. The Ravens average almost 2 yards per play more than the Titans. Put it this way: If Jesse Minter’s defense struggles to contain this offense for four quarters, then we know there’s something to worry about.

Ravens 27, Titans 10

Ravens prevail in a slop fest

Brandon Weigel, editor (2-1): The forecast calls for rain all morning and afternoon, and that spells trouble for the Ravens for a couple of reasons. Those conditions would typically call for a heavy dose of ground-and-pound with Derrick Henry, but as we saw against Dallas, the Ravens’ shoddy interior blocking has made it hard to run it up the gut. As everyone has said, All-Pro Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons presents a stern test.

And, thanks to injuries to Jovaughn Gwyn and Ethan Pocic, first-round pick Vega Ioane is expected to slide over to center. A rookie playing out of position and tasked with snapping a slick ball and having to help block Simmons? Shudder.

But no need to overthink it. The Titans have one of the worst offenses in the league, and the Ravens defense will keep it at bay.

Ravens 19, Titans 10