The Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens enter Week 3 at 1-1 after taking different paths to their first wins and losses. Dallas beat Washington 37-20 in Week 2, while Baltimore fell 24-17 to the New Orleans Saints.

With both teams heading to Rio de Janeiro, here are five key storylines to follow.

1. Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson test Dallas' run defense

The Dallas Cowboys have allowed 173.5 rushing yards per game through two weeks, and their next challenge comes against Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson.

Henry has 212 rushing yards on 40 carries this season, ranking third in the NFL. Jackson has added 74 rushing yards while also throwing for 559 yards. His 10.0 yards per attempt leads the league.

According to Nick Eatman of the Dallas Cowboys, Henry also had just five carries in the second half of Baltimore's Week 2 loss, giving the Ravens another reason to get him more involved against Dallas.

2. Dak Prescott enters after a record-setting performance

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott enters Week 3 after throwing four touchdowns in the 37-20 win over Washington.

Prescott also moved past Tony Romo's franchise record of 248 passing touchdowns. He now holds the Cowboys' records for passing yards, attempts, completions, completion percentage, passer rating and passing touchdowns.

Prescott has also recorded 84 wins as Dallas' starting quarterback, one behind Roger Staubach and 10 behind Troy Aikman.

3. Injuries put pressure on Dallas' secondary

The Cowboys could be without several defensive backs in Week 3. Malik Hooker is dealing with a forearm injury, P.J. Locke has a foot injury and Cobie Durant is dealing with a hamstring issue.

If the three players miss the game, Dallas could turn to backups and practice-squad options. Reddy Steward is one possibility after gaining experience at both safety and slot corner.

The injuries come at a difficult time, with Dallas preparing to face an offense featuring Jackson and Henry.

4. Dallas' rushing attack remains a concern

The Cowboys are averaging only 67.5 rushing yards per game through their first two games, putting more responsibility on their passing attack.

Javonte Williams will be part of Dallas' effort to improve its ground production, while the offensive line will need to create more running room.

Tyler Smith, who is dealing with a thumb injury, could return from injured reserve later in the season, with Week 5 mentioned as a possible target.

5. Cowboys and Ravens face an international challenge

The Week 3 matchup also brings an international setting for both teams. The Ravens are making their third international appearance, with their previous two games coming in London.

Baltimore's last overseas game was in 2023, while the Cowboys have not played an international game in 12 years. The trip to Rio de Janeiro will put both teams in a different environment.

With both teams at 1-1 entering Week 3, the Cowboys and Ravens will look to build on contrasting Week 2 results. Their matchup in Rio de Janeiro could come down to how well each team handles its biggest areas of concern. 

Written by

Divyanshi Raj