Why You Should Bet the Baltimore Ravens

On Oct. 5, a dejected John Harbaugh walked off the field at M&T Bank Stadium, attempting to block the chorus of boos and other jeers directed his way. His Baltimore Ravens had just been stomped by the Houston Texans, 44-10.

It was Baltimore’s third straight loss and they’re first full game without QB Lamar Jackson, who had injured a hamstring. With Cooper Rush at quarterback, the Ravens offense sputtered. Rush threw three interceptions and Houston, which was averaging 16 points per game at the time, erupted for a season-high 44. QB C.J. Stroud had his best game of the season, going 23-for-27 for 244 yards and four touchdowns.

Baltimore would go on to lose a fourth consecutive game to the Los Angeles Rams before turning to Tyler Huntley and getting a much needed 30-16 win over Chicago. Jackson was welcomed back against Miami in a Thursday night game in Week 9 and immediately the Baltimore offense caught fire.

Jackson threw four touchdown passes in an easy 28-6 Baltimore victory. Just a few weeks ago, the Ravens were 1-5. Only 1 percent of NFL teams starting a season 1-5 have ever made the NFL playoffs. That said, you might want to start betting on the Baltimore Ravens right now.

Lamar Is Back

He’s a two-time NFL MVP and really was on pace toward another MVP caliber season before his injury against the Chiefs. In that Dolphins game last Thursday, Jackson showed no remnants of a hamstring injury. He was sharp, completing 18 of 23 passes for 204 yards and the four touchdowns that were mentioned. 

Jackson is a threat every time he touches the football. He can beat you with his legs or with his arm as he has proven time and again. The Ravens had their bye week in Week 7 which allowed Jackson to come back and play in Week 9 against the Dolphins. 

Barring any setbacks, keep in mind that Jackson is still the same guy who threw for 4,172 yards and ran for 915 just last season. He totaled 45 touchdowns, 41 of them passing. With Jackson back under center, this offense can be unstoppable.

The Schedule

The Ravens schedule is another reason you may want to bet on the Ravens to make the playoffs (-170) or even win the AFC North Division (-140). Baltimore just beat Miami, who is now 2-7 on the season. 

Baltimore’s next four opponents have a combined record of 10-23. None are above .500. The Ravens then close the season with two games against the Steelers and games against New England and Green Bay. 

One of the Steelers games, of course, is at home and the date with the Patriots is a home game on Dec. 21. The Ravens are currently 3-5 and a case can be made for Baltimore to reach 10 wins (+105 at BetOnline). 

The Injury Report

Not only did Jackson return to the Ravens lineup, but Baltimore also got a boost from getting a number of defensive players back on the field. Roquan Smith was back on the field for Baltimore in the win over Chicago. He is the Ravens’ second-leading tackler despite missing two games. 

Pass rusher Kyle Van Noy is back. CB Chidobe Awuzie is back after missing two games. Marlon Humphrey has returned and do-it-all FB/TE Patrick Ricard should be back on the field for the Ravens very soon.

Baltimore lost four straight games, but the injury report in those games left the Ravens without several of their key players. Those players are now back, and things are looking up for Harbaugh and company.

How to Bet the Ravens

The Pittsburgh Steelers currently lead the AFC North with a 5-3 record. The Ravens are two games behind at 3-5. Despite these numbers, most sportsbooks have Baltimore around a -140 favorite to win the division. That implies the Ravens have a 58.33 percent chance of winning the division. The Steelers are given +135 to +140 odds to win the division, implying a 42.55 percent chance.

The Ravens are also now heavy favorites to make the postseason. Most sportsbooks have Baltimore in the -170 range to qualify for the postseason. Bettors could also take a look at the win totals market where Over 9.5 wins is listed at +105.

There is also the distinct possibility that the Ravens do what they have done in each of the past two seasons – make the divisional round of the playoffs. They’ve actually made it to the division round in four of the last six seasons. Bettors can find Baltimore at +145 (at Evereygame.eu) to make it to the divisional round for the third consecutive season.