Week 3 of the 2026 NFL season is already bringing the heat, and it’s happening all the way down in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We’ve got the Baltimore Ravens squaring off against the Dallas Cowboys at Maracanã Stadium this Sunday, Sept. 27, and both teams are sitting at an even 1-1 record. This isn’t just any international game, folks; it’s the second of nine global matchups this year, and it looks like it’s going to be a wild one.
Early Season Jitters and International Stripes
The Ravens are coming into this one after a tough 24-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints last Sunday. Talk about a gut punch. Meanwhile, the Cowboys are riding high, having cruised to a dominant 37-20 win over the Washington Commanders. Both teams finished second in their divisions last year, with Baltimore going 8-9 in the AFC North and Dallas at 7-9-1 in the NFC East for 2025. When it comes to playing overseas, the Ravens have a 1-1 record in international games, while the Cowboys are undefeated at 1-0. It’s a true toss-up with both squads looking to get above .500 on the season.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Brazil’s Getting a Show
Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. ET, and the oddsmakers have Baltimore as 3.5-point favorites. The money line shows Baltimore at -176 and Dallas at +148. But here’s the kicker, the over/under for total points scored is set at a whopping 53.5. That’s a high number, even for these offensive powerhouses. And if you trust the data, SportsLine’s proven projection model has run 10,000 simulations of this game and is leaning heavily towards the Over 53.5 points. This isn’t some shot-in-the-dark guess either. We’re talking about a model that’s racked up over $7,000 for $100 players on top-rated NFL picks since its inception, rolling into Week 3 on a scorching 53-41 run on those top picks dating back to 2024. Seriously, that’s legit.
Why We’re Staring Down a Shootout
So, why is the model so confident in a high-scoring affair? The offenses, my friends, the offenses! Baltimore is averaging a stout 29 points per game, and Dallas isn’t far behind at 28.5 points per game. These guys can put up numbers. Looking back at their last five head-to-head meetings, the Over has hit in four of them. Dallas’s games have been consistently high-scoring, with the Over hitting in nine of their last ten. Baltimore’s not quite as extreme, but the Over has still gone 6-4 in their last ten, including 4-1 over their past five. Plus, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is already lighting it up, completing 73.8% of his passes for 454 yards and six touchdowns with just one interception. His main man, CeeDee Lamb, has hauled in 13 receptions already. These guys are coming to Brazil to score, period.
This Week 3 showdown isn’t just about an international flair; it’s about two strong offenses looking to prove something early in the season. With the projection model screaming for points, Sunday in Rio could be an absolute barn burner. Get ready for some fireworks!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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