Baltimore Ravens NFL Betting Odds

2010 Season

In 2009 the Baltimore Ravens finished second in the AFC North on 9-7 to make it all the way to the divisional game where they lost 20-3 to the Colts. So last season hopes were high they would make it even further. However, despite finishing second in the division on a none-too-shabby 12-4, they were yet again beaten in the divisional game, this time by the Steelers 31-24.

2011 Preview

The Baltimore Ravens have what it takes to regularly make it to the playoffs, but the question is how they can make it beyond the divisional game all the way to the Super Bowl? One way is to win enough games to become a playoff host so they can use their home ground advantage to the fullest. Of course, this would require some improvements offensively, which is why in the off season Ravens head coach John Harbaugh bid farewell to WRs Derrick Mason and TJ Houshmandzadeh, RBs Willis McGahee and LeRon McLain and TE Todd Heap. He then used the 2011 Draft to secure the services of swift WR Torrey Smith, and also signed WRs Lee Evans and Ricky Williams, both of whom may still have one big season left in them.

2011 Preview

Although offensively the Baltimore Ravens were lacking in some areas last season, QB Joe Flacco had a crackerjack season, throwing for over 3,600 yards with 25 passing TDs and a season low 10 INTs. In fact, it was his best season to date as a pro, and there is little reason why he won't post similar stats this season. While the Ravens ranked only 22nd in total offense last year at 323 YPG, and 14th in rushing at 114 YPG, expect to see a great improvement this year. Defensively, Baltimore ranked 10th in the league with 19 YPG and 5th versus the run at 94 YPG, which means coach Harbaugh had less work to do this side of the ball in the off season. Much of the credit must go to LB Ray Lewis, who was the glue that held the Ravens' defense together last season. Expect more of the same from him and his colleagues, although they need to dig deeper than ever before to take down tough AFC North rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers.

2011 Prediction

There is no doubt about it that the Baltimore Ravens have a tough season ahead of them, considering they are scheduled to go up against six teams that made it to the playoffs last year. That said, based on the W/L stats from last year, Baltimore have one of the easiest schedules in the league. But whether that will make their journey to the playoffs and beyond any less grueling, will remain to be seen.

**Our Pick

It won't be lost on NFL betting fans that in each of his three seasons with the team, coach Harbaugh has led the Ravens to the playoffs. And perhaps this will be the first season that he secures a home playoff game. For our NFL betting buck, he'll once again lead Baltimore to the promised land, and may even help them secure the top spot in the AFC North on 13-3, as long as they crush the mighty Steelers on the way.