By Larry Carney, WMAR-TVThe Colts seem like a lock to beat the Ravens on Sunday. Don’t fall for it! Games like this are what make Las Vegas casinos so pretty.
For recreational purposes only, I watch the betting lines. I couldn’t believe my eyes when the line opened. The Ravens were one point favorites.
The Ravens struggled to beat the Browns Monday night. The Colts are undefeated. Remember, the people who set the lines are making money because they know what they are doing.
If the line looks too easy, it probably is.
Every Baltimore Sun writer is picking the Colts, even the Gardening blogger. Most Ravens’ fans are too! We’re all tainted.
We’ve watched the Ravens defense slip from its dominating position. That’s what we’re focused on.
The Ravens defense looked terrible in some spurts. The first half of the Minnesota Vikings game was awful. The last two minutes against the Bengals in Baltimore were unwatchable.
Raven fans can’t wait to run CBs Fabian Washington and Frank Walker out of town because they’ve been torched so badly.
The numbers don’t lie. The Ravens are still the 13th best team against the pass.
I’m not forgetting that QB Peyton Manning and the Colts lead the league in passing this year.
Or that Indianapolis destroyed the Ravens 31-3 last year. That was Ravens QB Joe Flacco’s 5th NFL game. Last year’s game spun out of control because Baltimore’s offense struggled, turning the ball over 5 times. Flacco himself threw three interceptions.
Also in that game, Manning’s targets were Reggie Wayne & Marvin Harrison. Wayne’s still there. Harrison isn’t. WRs Pierre Garcon & Hank Baskett are doing okay, but still drop passes in big spots and certainly aren’t producing Harrison type numbers.
The other change is the Ravens offense. Last year, they could only run the ball. Now, they can pass.
Expect Baltimore to exploit the injuries to the Colts’ secondary. Indianapolis might have to start two rookies.
Plus, the Ravens will still be able to run the ball with their big offensive line. That combination is why you need to take Baltimore.
The Ravens will control time of possession, slowing the rhythm of the Colts’ offense. Bookies will do well with this 33-27 Ravens win.
