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Ravens vs. Broncos week 1 preview, prediction, where to watch

By Brett Foote

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Sep 3, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) shown on the field prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Week 1: Baltimore Ravens vs. Denver Broncos

When: Sunday, 9/13/2015 at 4:25 p.m.

Where: Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

Live Stream: NFL.com

Radio: 98 Rock, Westwood One

Local TV/Radio Crew: Gerry Sandusky, Stan White, Qadry Ismail

TV: CBS

WBAL (NBC/11 – Baltimore)
Comcast Sportsnet Plus (Mid-Atlantic)
WJLA (ABC/7 – Washington)
WHTM (ABC/27 – Harrisburg PA)

Preview:  In one of the marquee matchups in opening week of the 2015 NFL regular season, the Baltimore Ravens hit the road to take on the Denver Broncos.  This game provides a host of storylines, the biggest perhaps coming from one major addition to the Broncos’ coaching staff.

New Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak was brought in to get the team over their proverbial playoff hump as they attempt to make one more push for a Super Bowl title with future hall of fame quarterback Peyton Manning leading the offense.

Kubiak was a revelation for the Ravens in 2014 as their offensive coordinator, shaping the offensive line into a top 5 NFL unit and leading the team to an 8th place finish in total offense.  It also led to career best seasons for quarterback Joe Flacco and running back Justin Forsett.

Can Kubiak work similar magic for the Broncos, who are facing major challenges and talent deficiencies of their own along the offensive line?  With a talented defense, an offense loaded with skill player talent, and one of the greatest quarterbacks in the history of the game, the Broncos need Kubiak’s leadership to get them to the promised land.

The Ravens, on the other hand, have enjoyed almost annual success under the guidance of John Harbaugh, never finishing with a losing record over eight seasons and missing the playoffs only once. The Ravens have a new offensive guru, Marc Trestman, on staff to replace Kubiak.

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When these two teams met in 2013’s season opener, Peyton Manning torched the Ravens for 445 yards and 7 touchdowns to lead the Broncos to a 49-24 blowout victory.  It was little consolation, however, for the Ravens 38-35 victory in the 2012 AFC Divisional Championship round game that preceded a Super Bowl win.

Can the new look Ravens secondary contain Peyton Manning?  Can the Ravens continue their offensive success under another new coordinator?  Is Gary Kubiak the missing piece of a potential Broncos juggernaut?  Will the Ravens young defensive line put the heat on Manning and the Broncos’ thin offensive line?

It might not be a blowout or a high scoring affair between two teams with stellar defenses, but this one will be worth watching.  It’s just hard to see the Ravens squeaking out a win in the Mile High air this time, against a coach that knows them very, very well.

Betting Line: Broncos -4, Ravens +4, 49 total

Prediction: Broncos 21, Ravens 17

Next: 4 Ravens that need to step up

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