Ravens Patriots Betting – Patriots Begin Life Without Moss Against Ravens Sunday
Regardless of what was said in the locker room of the New England Patriots preceding the dismissal of their star wide receiver from town, the team entered the bye week without Randy Moss for the first time in three years, with memories of their near-perfect season still fresh in the minds of the Foxborough-faithful. The Patriots begin life without the Pro Bowl performer this weekend, against a defense they likely could use him against, hosting the Baltimore Ravens.
NFL Betting: Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots
Online Sports Betting: Patriots – 3
The Ravens have won three straight games and are looking like the team many prognosticators pegged to be among the favorites to compete for the 2011 Super Bowl. Only two opponents remain on Baltimore’s schedule before the team’s bye week, the Patriots and Buffalo Bills, both AFC East division teams.
Why To Bet On The Ravens?
While the Ravens’ defense has consistently ranked in the top-five in the football betting league over the years, it seems as though the offense is finally rounding in to form. Quarterback Joe Flacco has had his share of struggles this season, even with new star wide receiver Anquan Boldin helping to open things up in the passing game. The run game remains a constant in Baltimore however, with the attack ranking 14th in the NFL, while the rush defense ranks tenth. The Patriots are a pass-happy team, but will have trouble moving the ball against a Ravens’ defense that ranks second against the pass. Patriots’ quarterback Tom Brady will see pressure from all angles, and there is still bitterness between these teams stemming back to New England’s close win over the Ravens during their perfect regular season, a victory that many Baltimore players felt the referees assisted them in with some favorable calls.
Why To Bet On The Patriots?
Even despite having Super Bowl aspirations, the Patriots seem content to allow star players to exit town. Last year it was Pro Bowl defensive end Richard Seymour, and this year it’s Pro Bowl receiver Moss. The only positive the team can take from it is that they keep winning, but how long will it be before the ignorance catches up to them? Even though Moss didn’t have a catch in the 41-14 blowout win over the division-rival Miami Dolphins, his presence still demanded extra attention, and it will be interesting to see how the offense adapts without him. Deion Branch was brought over to help sooth the transition, and is familiar in the offense from his Super Bowl-MVP betting days with the team. New England embarks on a tough six-game schedule that includes four playoff-teams from last year, and a road trip to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
How The Game Will Play Out
The Patriots are coming off a couple of divisional wins, but have had the extra week to rest and prepare. Head coach Bill Belichick is always solid at home, and should be even better with the motivation of proving the team doesn’t need Moss.
Ravens Patriots Betting Pick: Patriots
