Baltimore Ravens Odds - Can second-year pivot Flacco deliver
Baltimore Ravens odds took everyone by surprise last year despite a rookie head coach and a first-year starter at quarterback; it reached the AFC title game, where it fell to Pittsburgh. The Ravens are expected to challenge the Steelers and NFL betting odds again in the AFC North, but only if their pivot takes the next step.
Baltimore Ravens odds: +2000 to win the Super Bowl
- Plenty of pressure on Joe Flacco’s shoulders
- Lewis, Reed lead incredible defense
- Steelers are main obstacle in Ravens’ way
The Ravens were 18th in offense last year as they tried to ease quarterback Joe Flacco into the role of NFL starter, and the rookie did a solid job limiting his turnovers. The ground game was instrumental in his development as LeRon McClain, Willis McGahee and Ray Rice combined to put the Ravens fourth in rushing.
Derrick Mason, Mark Clayton and tight end Todd Heap were Flacco’s main targets, but Mason and Heap battled injuries throughout the season. The Ravens added L.J. Smith as another big target for Flacco, so look for a few two tight-end sets from Baltimore.
Up front, the Ravens lost Willie Anderson to retirement, but first-round pick Michael Oher has looked good in offseason camps and he could turn out to be a mainstay on the line for years to come. The line needs to be good, especially in pass protection, because Flacco will probably air out the ball more this season.
Baltimore went as deep as it did thanks to a great defense, second only to the Steelers. Ray Lewis is still one of the top linebackers in the league and the Ravens rewarded him with a contract that will allow him to retire with the only team he’s ever played for. Bart Scott left to play with the Jets, so Terrell Suggs may be asked to play a bigger role until the Ravens sort out their situation on the other side of the linebacking crew.
Trevor Pryce generates most of the pressure on the defensive line in the Ravens’ 3-4 scheme, and you know the secondary will be in good shape with Ed Reed marshalling the unit. Reed, a ballhawking safety, was the only player to be voted unanimously onto last year’s All-Pro team.
The Ravens are rated at +900 to win the AFC championship in your online sports book, and +2000 to win their first Super Bowl since 2000. They have a good chance at winning the tough AFC North as they have the sixth-easiest schedule in the league this year. A trip to New England in Week 4 will be a good gauge of the Ravens’ competitiveness, while a Week 16 visit to Pittsburgh could decide the division.
Many eyes will focus on Baltimore’s defense now that coordinator Rex Ryan has gone to coach the Jets but, with Lewis and Reed leading the way, it should be fine. All of the pressure lies squarely on Flacco’s shoulders. He’s had a year to get used to the league and he must elevate his play with Troy Smith looking good in offseason camps. The Ravens should be good enough to snatch a wild-card spot, but I don’t like their chances to make a deep playoff run.
For sideline-to-sideline online betting analysis heading into the season, bookmark the Betting Edge at BetOnline.com.
Stan Simmons first tasted football through the college game, but his football handicapping has strictly focused on the professional sport. Not many people devote as much time to the NFL as Simmons. For six days a week he works, labors and handicaps the sport, and on the seventh he rests as the games play out. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
