Redskins Ravens Betting – Baltimore “D” Gives Beck A Rough Ride

Washington’s sports betting odds for the upcoming season aren’t going to take a major leap because they’ve won their first two preseason games, but their performances have to be encouraging to their fans. Their quarterback impressed last week, but he could be in over his head when the Redskins head to Baltimore to face the Ravens, whose veteran defense should have this game well in doubt by the time that the second and third-stringers enter the game.

What: NFL Betting
When: Thursday, August 25th, 8:00 PM ET
Where: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD
Pick: Baltimore Ravens

Why Bet On Washington Redskins

The Redskins defeated Indianapolis 16-3 in their second preseason game, and reports are that John Beck has overtaken Rex Grossman in the race for the starting quarterback position. Beck was 14-of-17 for 140 yards, and he looked very poised in his two-quarters of action. Coach Mike Shanahan had pegged Beck as his starter last season and he looks as though he could be ready to take over the No.1 spot, but this week will be a bigger test as the Ravens will certainly play aggressively. But he was also helped by a ground game that racked up 215 yards, including 101 from rookie Roy Helu and 70 from Tim Hightower, Hightower is probably entrenched as the first-string running back, but Helu is catching up to Ryan Torain, who is out with a broken hand. The running game allowed the Redskins to hold the ball for over 36 minutes, which kept the defense fresh. Washington allowed the Colts to gain 150 total yards and while Indianapolis has never taken the preseason very seriously (along with having Peyton Manning on the sidelines), it was still a solid performance.

Washington managed to convert only one of their four red-zone opportunities, and they’ll have to take advantage of every chance they get inside the 20-yard line. Settling for field goals isn’t going to cut it, especially in the tough NFC East. The Redskins also have a couple of holes to fill as tight end Chris Cooley is a doubt for Week 1 of the regular season because of his left knee, and strong safety LaRon Landry has an ailing Achilles. Look for those positions to be an area of focus this week.

Why Bet On Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore’s defense stepped up in a 31-13 victory over Kansas City, the team that they thrashed in the postseason, and they got to the quarterback five times on the day. Linebacker Ray Lewis sat the game out because of a family problem, but the Ravens’ leader wasn’t needed as Baltimore spent plenty of time in the Kansas City backfield. Quarterback Joe Flacco was 12-of-24 for 124 yards in his first substantial playing time of the season, and the Ravens scored their first touchdown of the preseason when Ray Rice found the end zone in the second quarter. Flacco hooked up with newly-acquired Lee Evans for a 43-yard reception, which has to be encouraging to Baltimore fans and NFL betting players backing the Ravens. Baltimore had room in their receiving corps after letting go of longtime favorite Derrick Mason, and if Evans can be half as reliable as Mason was, the Ravens will be fine.

The Ravens will look at the center position to see if they can find a possible replacement for Matt Birk, who may not be ready to go at the beginning of the season as he is recovering from offseason knee surgery. Also, Ricky Williams will try to hold on to the backup role at running back behind Rice, as Jalen Parmele and Anthony Allen aren’t far behind. Williams has pole position because of his experience, but the younger guys have impressed in camp. The Ravens also have to work on their discipline, as they took eight penalties last week.

How It Will Play Out

Baltimore should be the NFL betting favorites at home in this contest , and they’re 3-2 SU and ATS in their last five regular-season meetings with the Redskins, with the last four falling under the posted total. The third game of the preseason is always the most important for betting players as the starters will get their most playing action, so this will give you the best idea of how the teams will perform this season.

The matchup to watch here will be Beck against a Baltimore defense that doesn’t know how to take their foot off the gas. They’re going to come at Beck for as long as he is in the game, and with the starting role within his grasp, Beck could make a few mistakes, which would allow Grossman back in the race. Take Baltimore in your online betting picks.