The Baltimore Ravens and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, both known for their explosive offenses, are facing off in an exciting “Monday Night Football” matchup.

The Ravens (4-2) rank fourth in the league in scoring ahead of Week 7, and they are on a scoring spree leading up to tonight’s game. Reigning MVP Lamar Jackson has been instrumental in their four-game winning streak, consistently helping the team score at least 28 points in each game.

The Buccaneers (4-2) are fresh off a dominant 51-27 victory against their NFC South rival, New Orleans. Quarterback Baker Mayfield delivered an impressive performance with four touchdown passes, positioning the Buccaneers as the NFL’s second-highest scoring offense as they head into Week 7.

Interestingly, both teams are also struggling in pass defense this season, with the Ravens ranked 31st and the Buccaneers 28th in terms of passing yards allowed as they enter Week 7.

This sets the stage for a potentially high-scoring shootout as both quarterbacks are likely to take advantage of the defensive weaknesses.

YSL News Sports will deliver live updates, highlights, and more from the Week 7 “Monday Night Football” showdown featuring the Ravens and Buccaneers, while also keeping an eye on the game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Arizona Cardinals.

Chris Godwin Injured

With under a minute left in the game, Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin was brought down after taking a hit from linebacker Roquan Smith, and he remained on the field. ESPN did not air a replay of the incident, leaving the specifics of the injury unclear for the moment. Medical personnel were called to assist Godwin immediately following the tackle.

Zay Flowers Prevents Second Onside Kick Recovery

In a critical moment, the Buccaneers likely needed to recover another onside kick to stay in the game, but Zay Flowers took control of Chase McLaughlin’s bouncing kick. This secured possession for the Ravens, who aimed to run down the clock with less than two minutes remaining.

Current Score: Ravens 41, Buccaneers 31; Rachaad White Scores

Tampa Bay running back Rachaad White found space on a crossing route and scored on a 23-yard touchdown pass. The score now stands at 41-31 in favor of the Ravens as the game hits the two-minute warning.

Buccaneers Recover Onside Kick

Facing a daunting 17-point deficit with less than four minutes remaining, Tampa Bay took their first step by recovering an onside kick successfully. Tavierre Thomas made an impressive leap to intercept the kick executed by Chase McLaughlin, giving the Buccaneers another chance.

The Buccaneers will start their next drive on their own 48-yard line with just over three and a half minutes left.

Current Score: Ravens 41, Buccaneers 24; Bucky Irving Scores

Rookie running back Bucky Irving pushed through on a one-yard dive to score and diminish the Ravens’ lead. However, the Buccaneers failed the two-point conversion attempt, leaving the score at 41-24 with under four minutes remaining.

Current Score: Ravens 41, Buccaneers 18; Lamar Jackson Connects with Derrick Henry

Derrick Henry scored to extend his impressive performance with a 13-yard pass from Lamar Jackson in the fourth quarter. This marked Jackson’s fifth touchdown pass of the night and his third career game with over 50 rushing yards and five passing touchdowns, a feat unmatched in NFL history.

The Ravens now lead 41-18 with just over six minutes left in this thrilling “Monday Night Football” matchup.

Derrick Henry Breaks an Impressive Run

On his second run of the drive, Ravens running back Derrick Henry made a swift outside move to the left, gaining 39 yards and bringing Baltimore into the Buccaneers’ 30-yard line.

Current Score: Ravens 34, Buccaneers 28; Rachaad White Scores Again

Buccaneers running back Rachaad White took an 11-yard slip screen pass to the end zone, marking their first touchdown since the first quarter. Tampa Bay head coach Todd Bowles chose to attempt a two-point conversion, and Mayfield successfully connected with Sterling Shepard in the left corner of the end zone.

The score is now 34-18 in favor of the Ravens with 11 and a half minutes left in the game.

Zyon McCollum Recovers Fumble

Buccaneers cornerback Zyon McCollum capitalized on a backward pass that Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers dropped. Although McCollum dragged several Baltimore players with him towards the end zone, the touchdown was negated since his knee touched down before he crossed the goal line.

Despite that, Tampa Bay retained possession on the Baltimore 30-yard line just a minute and a half into the fourth quarter.

Current Score: Ravens 34, Buccaneers 10; Lamar Jackson’s Fourth Touchdown Pass

Mark Andrews caught his second touchdown pass of the night late in the third quarter from Jackson.

Despite leading by 17 points, the Ravens opted to go for it on fourth-and-3 from the four-yard line. Lamar Jackson threw a floating pass to Andrews, who made the catch for the touchdown.

The Ravens now lead the Buccaneers 34-10, with just three minutes remaining in the third quarter after securing their second touchdown catch on “Monday Night Football.”

Derrick Henry breaks off an 81-yard run

On the very first play of Baltimore’s next drive, Derrick Henry, the Ravens’ star running back, maneuvered past several defenders at the line and sprinted down the field. A solid pursuit by Tampa Bay cornerback Zyon McCollum prevented Henry from scoring a 92-yard touchdown. Instead, the Ravens found themselves on the Bucs’ 11-yard line for a first down.

Ravens 27, Buccaneers 10: Lamar Jackson connects with Rashod Bateman for a long touchdown

In a repeat performance, Lamar Jackson once again linked up with former first-round pick Rashod Bateman on a deep pass, this time for 49 yards and a touchdown. This came after their earlier connection for 59 yards in the second quarter.

As the third quarter continues, the score is 27-10 in favor of Baltimore, with Bateman tallying 113 yards and a touchdown from just three receptions.

Chase McLaughlin’s 55-yard field goal attempt hits the upright

The kicker for the Buccaneers attempted a long 55-yard field goal against the wind. Although he had the distance, the kick was off target, striking the right upright and bouncing back onto the field, resulting in a miss.

Marlon Humphrey ruled out with a knee injury

Marlon Humphrey, who recorded two interceptions during the game, sustained a knee injury that will prevent him from continuing in the “Monday Night Football” game.

Ravens 20, Buccaneers 10: Justin Tucker hits a 52-yard field goal

Facing a tough situation at their own 48-yard line due to a broken play, running back Justice Hill managed to gain 18 yards on a third-and-25, putting Baltimore in field goal range. Justin Tucker successfully kicked a 52-yard field goal, increasing the Ravens’ lead to 20-10.

The Buccaneers will take possession now with over 12 minutes remaining in the third quarter.

Ravens 17, Buccaneers 10: Baltimore fights back from penalties to extend lead

As the second quarter came to an end, the Ravens faced three penalties within four plays, forcing them back to second-and-goal at the Tampa Bay 38-yard line. Big plays by Justice Hill and Nelson Agholor helped move the Ravens to the 10-yard line, where Justin Tucker kicked a 28-yard field goal, adding more points for Baltimore.

At halftime, the score stands at 17-10 for the Ravens, as the Buccaneers opted to kneel to finish the half. Baltimore will receive the kickoff to start the second half.

Marlon Humphrey questionable to return due to knee injury

Marlon Humphrey headed to the locker room towards the end of the second quarter after getting hurt on his second interception. Despite appearing to walk normal during the ESPN broadcast, his injury status remains uncertain.

Marlon Humphrey injured after his second interception

The 28-year-old cornerback recorded his second interception just one series after his first. This catch gave the Ravens the ball back at their own 40-yard line as Humphrey managed to pin the ball against his helmet while colliding with another defender. However, he stayed down on the field, visibly shaken, and the details of his injury are still unclear.

Mike Evans declared out for the remainder of the game

Veteran receiver Mike Evans will not return after worsening his hamstring injury in the second quarter. The player had attempted to continue playing despite the pre-existing injury and had even scored a touchdown earlier, but he seemed to exacerbate the problem on a near touchdown catch.

Ravens 14, Buccaneers 10: Justice Hill scores following an interception

Following a holding call that negated a rush TD by Lamar Jackson, Justice Hill took an 18-yard screen pass into the end zone. The Ravens now lead 14-10 as the first half approaches the four-minute mark.

Lamar Jackson connects with Rashod Bateman for 59 yards

Avoiding a safety blitz from Antoine Winfield Jr., Lamar Jackson scrambled to his right on the second play of the Ravens’ possession. He threw across his body to find a wide-open Rashod Bateman down the middle, where a coverage breakdown allowed for a big gain, putting the Ravens in a first-and-goal situation at the Bucs’ 8-yard line.

Marlon Humphrey intercepts Baker Mayfield in the end zone

Just three plays after Mike Evans’ injury, Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers aimed to score from the Ravens’ 3-yard line. Despite solid protection, Mayfield struggled to find an open receiver. He finally turned back to his right, targeting the back corner of the end zone, where cornerback Marlon Humphrey was waiting and made an easy interception.

Mike Evans sustains apparent leg injury in the second quarter

Mike Evans, attempting to play through a hamstring issue, appeared to suffer a leg injury after nearly scoring his second touchdown of the game. He was seen gripping the back of his right leg, indicating a possible re-aggravation of his injury.

Evans managed to walk off the field by himself but was limping noticeably. Earlier in the game, he achieved his milestone of 100 career touchdown receptions.

Buccaneers 10, Ravens 7: Mark Andrews gets the Ravens on the scoreboard

The Ravens mounted a strong 70-yard drive featuring multiple sizable plays, resulting in a 9-yard touchdown pass from Lamar Jackson to Mark Andrews over the middle, bringing Baltimore closer at 10-7.

The score stands at 10-7 for the Buccaneers with 12 and a half minutes left in the second quarter.

Zay Flowers gets shaken up after making a reception

Second-year receiver Zay Flowers had to exit the game after a 19-yard catch early in the second quarter, appearing to twist his right ankle as he was brought down by the Buccaneers’ Antoine Winfield.

Buccaneers 10, Ravens 0: Chase McLaughlin increases Tampa Bay’s advantage after a reversed touchdown

Baker Mayfield’s seemingly successful 8-yard pass to Chris Godwin, who was in the back of the end zone, was called back due to a holding penalty. Following a 13-yard screen pass to tight end Cade Otton, kicker Chase McLaughlin was called upon to make a 23-yard field goal. He converted, extending Tampa Bay’s lead to 10-0.

Baltimore now starts with only two seconds remaining in the first quarter.

Buccaneers’ pass rush shines on Ravens’ opening drive

Shortly after the Ravens stepped into Tampa Bay’s territory, the Buccaneers recorded sacks on Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson on two consecutive plays, forcing a punt. YaYa Diaby, a second-year edge rusher, secured his second sack of the season on the second down, followed by safety Antoine Winfield Jr.’s sack on the third down, setting up a fourth-and-28 for the Ravens.

Jordan Stout’s punt resulted in a touchback, allowing Tampa Bay to take over at their own 20-yard line with six minutes remaining in the first quarter.

Buccaneers 7, Ravens 0: Mike Evans achieves 100th career touchdown reception

In their opening possession of the evening, Baker Mayfield led the Buccaneers on a 70-yard scoring drive, culminating in a 25-yard touchdown pass to Mike Evans. The play-action left Evans wide open in the front left corner of the end zone, marking his 100th career touchdown catch.

This achievement makes Evans the 11th player in NFL history to record 100 touchdown receptions. The other ten players ahead of him are either already in the Hall of Fame or are expected to be. Additionally, this catch pushed Evans past 12,000 career receiving yards, making him the 30th player in league history to reach this milestone.

He is also the sixth player in NFL history to have both 12,000 receiving yards and 100 receiving touchdowns—all with the same team.

Game start time: Buccaneers vs. Ravens

• Date: Monday, Oct. 21
• Time: 8:15 p.m. ET

The matchup between the Buccaneers and Ravens is the first of two “MNF” games this week, starting at 8:15 p.m. ET. The follow-up game featuring the Los Angeles Chargers and the Arizona Cardinals is set to begin at 9 p.m. ET (on ESPN+).

TV Channel for Buccaneers vs. Ravens

• TV Channel: ESPN | ESPN2 (“ManningCast”)

ESPN is the primary broadcaster for “Monday Night Football.” Joe Buck will handle play-by-play, Troy Aikman will provide color commentary, and Lisa Salters will be on the sideline report.

The popular “ManningCast” returns as an alternate broadcast, with the two former NFL quarterbacks covering both matchups on Monday night.

Expert predictions for Buccaneers vs. Ravens

Here’s what the YSL News Sports staff predicts will happen in the Week 7 “MNF” matchup:

• Lorenzo Reyes: Ravens 29, Buccaneers 20
• Tyler Dragon: Ravens 26, Buccaneers 20
• Richard Morin: Ravens 33, Buccaneers 24
• Jordan Mendoza: Buccaneers 24, Ravens 23

Matchup highlights: Buccaneers vs. Ravens features top NFL talents

Tampa Bay’s defense will face a significant challenge against the Ravens offense, which is collecting an average of 471 yards per game during their current four-game winning streak. The matchup also includes a confrontation between two of the NFL’s biggest players: Baltimore’s right guard Daniel Faalele and Tampa Bay’s defensive lineman Vita Vea. — Ayrton Ostly

Highest-paid NFL players at each position

Check out our comprehensive list of players ranked by their salaries:

• Quarterbacks
• Running backs
• Wide receivers
• Tight ends
• Offensive tackles
• Offensive guards
• Centers
• Edge rushers
• Interior defensive linemen
• Linebackers
• Cornerbacks
• Safeties
• Kickers
• Punters

Who is the highest-paid player in the NFL?

The highest 18 players in the NFL by average yearly salary are all quarterbacks, according to OverTheCap.com. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has earned the title of the highest-paid player in the league following a four-year, $240 million deal signed before the season. Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is the first non-quarterback to make the top list, signing a four-year, $140 million contract extension this offseason.

Buccaneers vs. Ravens betting odds, moneyline, over/under

According to BetMGM, the Ravens are regarded as the favorites against the Buccaneers. If you’re looking to bet, be sure to explore the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL promotions for 2024, including the ESPN BET app and Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.

• Spread: Ravens (-4)
• Moneyline: Ravens (-225); Buccaneers (+180)
• Over/under: 50.5

Why did Lamar Jackson drop in the draft?

One statistic raised concerns about Jackson during the draft process—he completed only 59.1 percent of his passes in his final college season, with a total of 57 percent across his college career. It’s unusual for quarterbacks to see significant improvement in accuracy and efficiency at the NFL level, and Jackson’s “inability to connect on straightforward throws,” as noted by NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, was a worrying point for some talent evaluators.

This also explains why a select few, including former Indianapolis .

Bill Polian, the Colts’ general manager and ESPN personality, suggested that Jackson should transition to a wide receiver role in the NFL.

However, this perspective was not widely accepted. Jackson did mention on one of the Ravens’ podcasts that the Los Angeles Chargers had requested he perform as a receiver during the 2018 NFL Combine.

AFC North Standings

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2)
2. Baltimore Ravens (4-2)
3. Cincinnati Bengals (3-4)
4. Cleveland Browns (1-6)

NFC South Standings

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2)
2. Atlanta Falcons (4-3)
3. New Orleans Saints (2-5)
4. Carolina Panthers (1-6)

Weather Update for Buccaneers vs. Ravens

The weather in Tampa is expected to be clear with a kickoff temperature of 78 degrees, dropping to a low of 73 degrees by midnight. As reported by the Weather Channel, winds will reach a maximum of five mph, and the chance of rain is 5% or less for the duration of the game.

Inactives for Ravens vs. Buccaneers

• S Beau Brade
• RB Rasheen Ali
• LB Malik Harrison
• EDGE Adisa Isaac
• C Nick Samac
• DT Broderick Washington

Inactives for Buccaneers vs. Ravens

• DL C.J. Brewer
• P Jake Camarda
• TE Payne Durham
• G Royce Newman
• EDGE Jose Ramirez

Derrick Henry’s Pursuit of NFL Rushing Touchdown Record

Derrick Henry has scored eight touchdowns in just six games, surpassing LaDainian Tomlinson’s tally during his record-setting season in 2006. Additionally, Henry has an extra game to pursue the record.

Tomlinson’s record for the most rushing touchdowns in a single season stands at 28.

Baker Mayfield’s Contract Details

This offseason, Mayfield finalized an extension with the Buccaneers, ensuring his place in Tampa Bay through the 2026 season.

• Duration: 3 years
• Total worth: $100 million
• Average annual salary (AAV): $33.33 million
• Guaranteed funds: $50 million

List of NFL’s Highest-Paid Players

The highest earners in the NFL are all quarterbacks, with the breakdown of their contracts based on AAV, guaranteed money, and total contract value for this season.

AAV

• Dak Prescott, Cowboys: $60 million
• Joe Burrow, Bengals: $55 million
• Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars: $55 million
• Jordan Love, Packers: $55 million
• Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins: $53.1 million
• Jared Goff, Lions: $53 million
• Justin Herbert, Chargers: $52.5 million
• Lamar Jackson, Ravens: $52 million
• Jalen Hurts, Eagles: $51 million
• Kyler Murray, Cardinals: $46.1 million

Guaranteed Funds

• Dak Prescott, Cowboys: $231 million
• Deshaun Watson, Browns: $230 million
• Joe Burrow, Bengals: $219.01 million
• Justin Herbert, Chargers: $218.74 million
• Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars: $200 million
• Lamar Jackson, Ravens: $185 million
• Jalen Hurts, Eagles: $179.4 million
• Jared Goff: $170.61 million
• Tua Tagovailoa: $167.17 million
• Jordan Love: $160.3 million

Total Contract Value

• Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs: $450 million
• Joe Burrow, Bengals: $275 million
• Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars: $275 million
• Justin Herbert, Chargers: $262.5 million
• Lamar Jackson, Ravens: $260 million
• Josh Allen, Bills: $258.04 million
• Jalen Hurts, Eagles: $255 million
• Dak Prescott, Cowboys: $240 million
• Kyler Murray, Cardinals: $230.5 million
• Deshaun Watson, Browns: $230 million

Among non-quarterbacks, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson holds the title of highest-paid based on AAV, at $35 million annually, while San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa has the highest total value for a non-quarterback contract at $170 million.