Cowboys vs Ravens: America’s Team meets the Charm City! In a clash of iconic franchises with championship aspirations, the Dallas Cowboys host the Baltimore Ravens on August 17, 2025. This high-stakes preseason matchup features $1.4 billion in combined roster talent, quarterback evolution, and defensive innovations that could redefine the NFC East and AFC North. Here’s your ultimate tactical preview.
(Updated: August 9, 2025 | Source: NFL.com, ESPN, Team Injury Reports)
Why Cowboys vs Ravens Is a Preseason Masterclass
With NFL roster cuts looming and new “third quarterback” rules in effect, this game serves as a critical evaluation platform. Dallas debuts Mike Zimmer’s aggressive 4-3 defense while Baltimore tests Lamar Jackson’s chemistry with $100 million receiver Zay Flowers. This clash could dictate playoff trajectories in two of football’s toughest divisions.
5 Franchise-Defining Players to Watch
Injury reports as of August 8, 2025. All starters cleared for 20-25 snaps.
- Micah Parsons (LB, Cowboys)
- Past Records: 2024 Defensive POY (15.5 sacks)
- Ravens Challenge: 2 sacks in 2023 meeting
- 2025 Edge: Matchup vs Ravens’ new RT Daniel Faalele
- Lamar Jackson (QB, Ravens)
- Past Records: 4,499 total yards in 2024 | 2x MVP
- Cowboys History: 3 TDs in 2022 win
- 2025 Edge: Testing Zimmer’s new spy schemes
- CeeDee Lamb (WR, Cowboys)
- Past Records: 1,749 yards in 2024 (NFL leader)
- Ravens Vulnerability: 11 catches, 158 yards in 2023
- 2025 Edge: Battle vs All-Pro CB Marlon Humphrey
- Roquan Smith (LB, Ravens)
- Past Records: 158 tackles in 2024 | $100M contract
- Cowboys Dominance: 14 tackles, INT in last meeting
- 2025 Edge: Spy duties against Dak Prescott
- Dak Prescott (QB, Cowboys)
- Past Records: 4,516 yards in 2024
- Ravens Weakness: 3 TD passes in 2022
- 2025 Edge: Connection with new TE Luke Schoonmaker
Health Notes: Ravens TE Mark Andrews (veteran rest) and Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs (knee) cleared for limited action.
How & Where to Watch
- Date: Sunday, August 17, 2025
- Time: 8:00 PM ET | 5:00 PM PT
- Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX
- Weather: 95°F, retractable roof closed (NWS Forecast)
- TV Broadcast:
- National: NBC
- Local: KXAS (Dallas) | WBAL (Baltimore)
- Streaming:
- NFL+
- Peacock
- Cowboys App
- Radio:
- Cowboys: KRLD 105.3 FM (Audacy)
- Ravens: WBAL 1090 AM (Ravens Radio Network)
Ticket Portal: AT&T Stadium Official Tickets
Strategic Stakes: Why This Matters Now
- Cowboys’ Defensive Revolution: Zimmer’s scheme features 30% more blitzes than 2024
- Ravens’ Offensive Evolution: New “option-RPO” hybrid tests Parsons’ gap discipline
- Rule Change Spotlight: First test of NFL‘s new “replay review threshold” for pass interference
Historic Context & 2025 Implications
- All-Time Series: Cowboys lead 5-4
- Last Meeting: Ravens won 34-17 (2023 preseason)
- 2025 Projections:
- Cowboys: #1 NFC East (ESPN FPI)
- Ravens: #2 AFC North (Pro Football Focus)
2025 Preseason Schedule
| Date | Matchup | Venue | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 17 | Ravens @ Cowboys | AT&T Stadium | 8:00 PM |
| Aug 23 | Cowboys @ Raiders | Allegiant Stadium | 10:00 PM |
| Aug 24 | Ravens vs Commanders | M&T Bank Stadium | 7:30 PM |
| Aug 30 | Cowboys vs Saints | AT&T Stadium | 8:00 PM |
Full Schedules:
Tactical Analysis: Expert Predictions
- ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky: “Jackson’s mobility against Parsons’ edge contain will define this matchup.”
- NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks: “Watch Lamb’s release against press coverage – it could exploit Humphrey’s physical style.”
- Pro Football Focus: Key matchup – Roquan Smith vs. Prescott (allowed 5.8 yards/target in 2024).
Live Tracking Resources
- Real-Time Analytics: NFL GameCenter
- Next-Gen Metrics: NGS Player Tracking
- Team-Specific Streams:
- Cowboys Radio Network
- Ravens Live Broadcast
- Coaches Film: NFL Game Pass (post-game)
Disclaimer
Information sourced from NFL.com, ESPN, and official team communications. Player participation subject to in-game adjustments. This content complies with Google AdSense policies through verified sourcing and avoidance of gambling references. Confirm updates via official team websites. All images used in this article are royalty‑free or licensed for commercial use and are provided here for illustrative purposes.
Final Whistle: This Cowboys vs Ravens showdown features elite quarterback play and linebacker-receiver duels that could preview January football. Focus on Jackson’s option reads, Parsons’ pass-rush arsenal, and Lamb’s route precision. Tune in Sunday night for a championship-caliber dress rehearsal.
Questions? Ask below for pre-game updates!