Henry, Ferguson and turnovers: Four keys to Ravens-Cowboys

The Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys have plenty of marquee names . Lamar Jackson , Derrick Henry , Dak Prescott , CeeDee Lamb , George Pickens , and Kyle Hamilton all qualify. All are more than capable of producing the highlight-reel moments that dominate postgame discussions. Games between talented teams, however, often hinge on smaller details that receive far less attention . Red-zone execution, ball security, discipline, and the ability to lean into a favorable matchup can matter as much as any spectacular play.

As the Ravens prepare for a unique Week 3 matchup in Brazil, plenty of room exists for tense moments. Still, don't be shocked if these four factors could ultimately determine the outcome.

Take Jake Ferguson away from Dak Prescott in the red zone

It doesn't get much better than Jake Ferguson's Week 2 stat line. Four targets... Four receptions... 43 yards receiving... Two touchdown receptions. The only thing missing is the bomb from Prescott, but they don't need it.

Known as a primary red-zone and goal-line weapon for Dak Prescott, over 80% of Ferguson's career scores come from inside the 20-yard line (including seven of eight in 2025). If Baltimore can force Prescott to look elsewhere, he'll still have options, namely CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, but at least this removes one threat.

The Ravens don't necessarily have to eliminate Ferguson from the game entirely. They just need to make life harder when the field shrinks. If Dallas settles for field goals instead of touchdowns on a few possessions, Baltimore's defense will have done its job.

Sometimes, you have to ride your superstars and live with the consequences, be they good or bad. The Cowboys have surrendered 173.5 rushing yards per contest. Only three NFL teams have been worse through two games. The Ravens employ the great Derrick Henry.

This isn't difficult. No one's familiar with the playing surface at Maracanã Stadium. The game plan should seem simple. Win or lose this one by leaning on the future Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee.

Establishing Henry early could also create opportunities elsewhere. A successful ground attack would help control time of possession, open throwing lanes for Lamar Jackson, and potentially wear down a defense that has struggled to stop opposing rushing attacks.

Ravens must stop beating themselves with penalties

This portion of the story almost writes itself. The Ravens have committed 17 penalties through two games. Those infractions have resulted in 120 yards. Seriously, what else needs to be said? Winning in the NFL is hard enough. Winning becomes nearly impossible when a team short-circuits its own efforts.

Baltimore has already seen explosive plays erased and promising drives stalled because of self-inflicted mistakes. Against an opponent as talented as Dallas, giving away free yardage is a dangerous game to play.

If there's one thing that the Cowboys defense does well, it's ripping the football out. Over two games, the Cowboys have forced seven fumbles and recovered two. Baltimore lost a fumble in Week 1 and threw an interception in Week 2. Protecting the ball will be key in a game where every yard, stop, and mistake will matter more than usual.

Turnovers can change games in an instant. A promising drive can disappear. Momentum can shift. A close contest can suddenly become an uphill battle. The Ravens don't need to play perfectly, but they do need to avoid giving Dallas extra possessions.

Baltimore's formula isn't particularly complicated. Feed Derrick Henry, tighten up the discipline issues, make Prescott work harder in the red zone, and secure the football. None of those tasks will guarantee victory, but together they provide a blueprint for success.

The Ravens and Cowboys possess enough star power to produce fireworks at any moment. When the final whistle sounds in Brazil, though, the difference may come down to which team handled the fundamentals better. In a matchup that feels evenly balanced on paper, those details could decide everything.