The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Dallas Cowboys 34-31 on Sunday in the NFL Rio Game, using a balanced four-quarter scoring effort to hold off a late Dallas push at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Baltimore improved to 2-1 with its second road victory of the young regular season, while Dallas fell to 1-2 after a competitive game that featured scoring in every quarter. The Ravens answered Dallas’ fast first quarter with a decisive second period, then matched the Cowboys point for point through a tense final 15 minutes.
Ravens take control before halftime
The Cowboys opened with a 10-7 edge after the first quarter, but Baltimore steadily flipped the script before halftime. The Ravens scored 10 points in the second quarter while allowing only a Dallas field goal, turning that early three-point deficit into a 17-13 halftime lead.
That four-point margin became eight after Baltimore posted seven more points in the third quarter. Dallas kept pace with eight points of its own, however, leaving the Ravens ahead 24-21 entering the fourth. Neither offense backed down late: both teams scored 10 points in the final quarter, but Baltimore’s ability to protect its lead was enough to secure the 34-31 result.
It was not an overtime finish, but it carried that kind of pressure down the stretch. Dallas had erased portions of Baltimore’s advantages throughout the afternoon, only for the Ravens to continue finding answers on the scoreboard. Baltimore scored at least seven points in each quarter, a picture of offensive consistency in a game decided by one field goal.
Key performers
Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott led the available passing totals with a 25/40, 276 YDS, 1 TD line. Prescott kept the Cowboys within reach with 25 completions and directed an offense that scored 31 points, but Dallas ultimately could not find the final points needed to complete the comeback.
Javonte Williams supplied the Cowboys’ ground-game production, carrying 19 times for 98 yards and one touchdown. His workload helped Dallas stay balanced against Baltimore and gave the offense a dependable option throughout the game.
CeeDee Lamb was Prescott’s top target, finishing with seven receptions for 112 yards. Lamb accounted for more than 100 receiving yards and repeatedly gave Dallas a way to move the chains, even though the Cowboys came up just short in the final score.
NerdSports Stat: Baltimore scored exactly 10 points in both the second and fourth quarters, two periods that accounted for 20 of the Ravens’ 34 points in their three-point win.
What the result means
The Ravens leave Brazil with a 2-1 record and a valuable road result in Week 3. Their ability to answer Dallas after every shift in momentum provided an early-season reminder that close games often come down to sustaining drives and avoiding empty possessions in scoring territory.
For the Cowboys, the 1-2 start is frustrating because the offense showed enough to stay connected all game. Prescott, Williams and Lamb supplied productive individual performances, but Dallas will need to turn those efforts into finishes over the next several weeks.
Baltimore returns home to face the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, October 4, while Dallas hosts the Houston Texans that same day. Both teams now turn their attention to the next step in the early playoff and division-race picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Baltimore Ravens defeated Dallas Cowboys 34-31 on September 27, 2026.
Baltimore’s passing leader and individual passing totals were not included in the supplied game data.
No. Baltimore held on for a 34-31 regulation victory.
Baltimore Ravens is now 2-1; Dallas Cowboys is 1-2.
Baltimore plays the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, October 4, 2026 at 10:00 AM PDT.
