The Baltimore Ravens enter Saturday’s preseason clash as the clear favorite over the Dallas Cowboys, and for good reason.

Baltimore looked sharp in its opener, beating the Indianapolis Colts 24-16 by dominating in all three phases of the game. John Harbaugh’s squad once again leaned on its identity — tough defense, strong coaching, and a relentless ground game.

Running back Keaton Mitchell was the breakout star, rushing for 68 yards and a touchdown on just nine carries, flashing speed after returning from an ACL tear.

Dallas had a poor preseason debut

The Cowboys, meanwhile, stumbled out of the gate with a 31-21 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, managing only six points through the first three quarters.

While Dallas rested Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Jake Ferguson, and much of its starting lineup, the struggles highlighted lingering concerns.

The Cowboys’ run defense was one of the NFL’s weakest units last year, and until proven otherwise, remains a glaring vulnerability against a rush-heavy team like Baltimore.

History is on Baltimore’s side

History also leans toward the Ravens. The two franchises have met just once before in the preseason — a 2014 matchup Baltimore won 37-30. Their scheduled 2020 game was canceled due to the pandemic.

With Harbaugh’s proven track record versus first-year Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer, Baltimore holds a decisive coaching edge. Add in a deeper, more disciplined roster, and the Ravens are once again poised to handle business.

Prediction: Baltimore covers and keeps rolling.

Revenge game? Cooper Rush faces former team as Cowboys put Joe Milton on the hot seat

All eyes will be on Cooper Rush Saturday as the Baltimore Ravens quarterback takes on his former team, the Dallas Cowboys.

After seven seasons in Dallas, Rush returns with extra motivation to prove himself — not just to his old team, but to Baltimore, where he’s competing to lock down the backup job behind Lamar Jackson.

Rush played only one drive in the Ravens’ 24-16 win over the Colts in Week 1, but head coach John Harbaugh is expected to give him more snaps this time around.

“I’ve been really trying to show my current team I’m doing well,”Rush said. “Those preseason games do help guys in my position. Those reps do count.”

Joe Milton is in the crosshairs

On the other sideline, Cowboys fans will get another look at Joe Milton III, who desperately needs a bounce-back performance. In his preseason debut, Milton completed 17 of 29 passes for 143 yards, one touchdown and one interception during a 31-21 loss to the Rams.

He struggled to find rhythm until late in the fourth quarter, raising doubts about his readiness to serve as Dak Prescott’s backup. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer confirmed Milton will start again Saturday, but time is running out for the second-year QB.

With most teams resting key players in the final preseason week, this could be Milton’s last real chance to prove he belongs as QB2. Will Grier will also see action behind him, while Prescott remains on the sidelines.

For Rush, the matchup is a chance at redemption against his old team. For Milton, it might be his last audition before the regular season.