ExtremeRavens Posted October 24 Share Posted October 24 When the Ravens fell to 0-2 to begin the season, there were questions about Baltimore’s immediate future. Why can’t the Ravens close games? Is the offense using Derrick Henry correctly? Is Lamar Jackson finding his footing in Todd Monken’s offensive scheme? Five games later, Baltimore is 5-2 and betting odds suggest the Ravens have as good a chance of winning a Super Bowl title as just about any team in the NFL. Lamar Jackson is the NFL Most Valuable Player betting favorite, and Derrick Henry is on pace to rush for over 2,000 yards. The offense leads the NFL in yards and points per game, and Baltimore is tied for the AFC North lead. It’s safe to say there were overreactions after Week 2. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson isn’t listening to any of it, and he’s not listening to the positive reviews of the offense now. “It just goes in one ear and out the other,” Jackson said. While Jackson is tuning out the “outside noise,” it’s nearly impossible for fans and media to do the same. The Ravens have looked unstoppable offensively in recent weeks, and they’re averaging an astounding 461.4 yards per game. The 2013 Denver Broncos were the most recent NFL team to average more than 450 yards per game across an entire regular season, finishing with a mark of 457.3. Oddsmakers have noticed Baltimore’s surge. Only the Kansas City Chiefs (+430) hold shorter odds to win the Super Bowl than the Ravens (+550) on FanDuel. The Detroit Lions (+750) and San Francisco 49ers (+850) hold the shortest odds among NFC teams. Those four teams all made their respective conference championship games last season, with the Chiefs beating the 49ers in the Super Bowl. As for the AFC North, FanDuel lists Baltimore as a -370 favorite to win the division. The Steelers have the next shortest odds at +490. The Cleveland Browns, who the Ravens visit this Sunday at 1 p.m., are +24000 to win the division. At 1-6 this season, Cleveland needs a miracle. What are the odds? Given Cleveland’s subpar start to the season and the Ravens’ excellent play, Baltimore is a massive favorite Sunday. The Browns are also without starting quarterback Deshaun Watson (not that he was playing well), but they’ll turn to Jameis Winston at the position. He’s completed just 6 of his 12 passes this year. Here’s a look at the odds for Sunday’s matchup in Cleveland: Spread: Ravens -8.5 (FanDuel) Total: 44.5 points Moneyline: Ravens -450, Browns +350 The Ravens are 4-2-1 against the spread this season, covering the spread in all five of their wins this season. The Browns are 2-5 against the spread. Of Baltimore’s seven games, six have gone over the projected point total. Cleveland lands on the opposite end of the spectrum, with five of the Browns’ seven games going under the projected point total. Trust the Ravens Trends don’t always foretell results, but they can help guide betting decisions. In Lamar Jackson’s four trips to Cleveland, the Ravens are a perfect 4-0 against the spread, according to Action Network data. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski is just 8-17 against the spread against AFC North teams when leading Cleveland, and Winston is 34-42-5 against the spread in his career as a starting quarterback. Baltimore ranks first in the NFL in DVOA, while Cleveland ranks 31st. This is a matchup, on paper, between one of the best teams in the NFL and one of the worst. The trends suggest Baltimore should cruise Sunday. My eyes say the same. That can be tricky when it comes to betting, but I’ll gladly back the Ravens in this spot. Six teams won games by at least 20 points last week. Could the Ravens put up a blowout win Sunday? I’m betting on it. Best bet: Ravens -8.5 Have a news tip? Contact Bennett Conlin at bconlin@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/BennettConlin. View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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