Ravens Panthers Betting – Ravens Take Frustrations Out On Woeful Panthers
- What: NFL betting
- When: Sunday, November 21st, 1:00 PM ET
- Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
- Pick: Baltimore Ravens -10
Carolina’s sports betting odds weren’t that great to start the season, but it’s spiraled into a mess for the Panthers, who are now down to their third-string quarterback as they prepare to host a fired-up Baltimore Ravens team coming off a loss. It could get ugly for the Carolina Panthers.
What’s On The Line
The Ravens (6-3) lost on a late touchdown in a 26-21 loss at Atlanta last Thursday, while the Panthers (1-8) continued their lost season as they fell 31-16 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. There is definitely more at stake for the Ravens as they’re tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the AFC North lead, while the most interesting thing about the Panthers right now is whether or not receiver Steve Smith will lose it on someone for being, by far, the most talented player on an atrocious team.
Offensive Matchups: Ravens Panthers Betting
Baltimore’s offense had a solid night against the Falcons, and Joe Flacco passed for 215 yards, three touchdowns and a pick while spreading the ball around to eight different receivers. But the Ravens still committed a pair of turnovers, and that was really the difference. Baltimore comes in 13th in the league in offense and they’re pretty balanced, so the Panthers are going to have to pick their poison.
The league’s worst offense did manage to put up 300 yards against the Buccaneers, and they got a surprise 100-yard game from running back Mike Goodson. But they may need another one as rookie pivot Jimmy Clausen, who threw for 191 yards, has a concussion and may not play this week. This means another rookie, Tony Pike, or Brian St. Pierre (who?) may get the starting nod, and that must burn Smith’s soul. The NFL betting odds on Smith staying in Carolina are getting smaller and smaller by the day, regardless of a contract that keeps him there through 2012. Now, running back DeAngelo Williams is gone for the season with a foot injury and Jonathan Stewart has a concussion.
Betting Edge: Ravens
Defensive Matchups: Ravens Panthers Betting
The defense we saw on Thursday against the Atlanta Falcons wasn’t the same defense we’ve been used to see as the Falcons did whatever they wanted against the Ravens, who gave up 362 yards and allowed Atlanta to convert 12 of their 20 third-down chances. Terrell Suggs had a couple of sacks and seemed to be the only Raven to get to Matt Ryan. They did manage to slow down Michael Turner, but then the Falcons just went to the air and didn’t stop. Expect them to come out with fury against the Panthers.
Carolina’s defense is actually decent, coming in 14th in the league (four spots behind Baltimore), but they allowed 421 yards against the Buccaneers. However, they could be in trouble this week if middle linebacker Jon Beason can’t go because of an ailing knee. They gave up 186 yards on the ground with Beason in the lineup, without him, there’s no telling how many yards they could give up to the Ravens. Ray Rice could go for a monster game against the Panthers.
Betting Edge: Ravens
Notable Injuries: Ravens Panthers Betting
For the Ravens, safety Tom Zbikowski (heel) probably won’t play, while linebacker Tavares Gooden (head) is questionable. Cornerback Fabian Washington (illness) and tight end Todd Heap (chest) are both expected to suit up, though.
Clausen (concussion) is very unlikely to play, along with Stewart (concussion) and Williams (foot). Receiver Brandon LaFell (concussion) didn’t practice, and neither did Beason (knee), although Beason will likely play. Offensive guard Travelle Wharton (toe) will also sit for the Panthers.
Betting Edge: Ravens
Outlook and Pick: Ravens Panthers Betting
NFL betting odds have the Ravens as a 10-point favorite on the road, and they’re 0-2 SU and ATS in their two trips to Carolina. But the last one came in 2002, and this is going to be a demolition for the Ravens as they’re angry after the Atlanta loss, and the Panthers could have two quarterbacks who have attempted 22 passes in the NFL combined. Would you take them against Baltimore’s defense? The Carolina defense can only do so much, and they’ll eventually wear down if Rice gets going. Take Baltimore to cover the online betting spread easily.
Stan’s Pick: Baltimore Ravens
