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Written by John Biasucci
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Wednesday, 03 September 2008 |
We have made it. Another dreaded summer where the Orioles had kept us interested until the All-Star break only to go into their June swoon a little later than expected. We made it through the first John Harbaugh training camp with mixed feelings. And now it is upon us, another year of Baltimore Ravens Football.
I, for one, do not have lofty expectations for our Ravens this season with the quarterback soap opera out at One Winning Drive, but who can really blame me? For what it's worth, I didn't have great expectations in 2000 either.
But, I do see the Ravens being competitive this season. I like the youth in Ray Rice and Joe Flacco. I see the offensive line another year together and by mid season gelling as a unit, barring injuries. The defense once again will be stellar as usual, and will keep the team in games. I see the Ravens going 8-8 this season.
CINCINNATI AT BALTIMORE
Could this be the coming out party of Joe Flacco? It very well could be. The 2007 Bengals gave up 369 yards per game on the road, and an average of 24 points. This could be what the Ravens need. After going against the Ravens defense all camp, and practices a little breather is what could get this team off on the right foot. Baltimore's rush defense gave up a stingy 2.8 yards per carry last season, and without a bruiser back on the Bengals, this could be a problem for Cincinnati, especially in short yardage situations.
I like the Ravens at home getting one point in a nice opening day present for the rookie quarterback.
Ravens 23-17
DALLAS AT CLEVELAND
Dallas, still reeling from last year's playoff loss to the eventual Super Bowl champion Giants, enter play against an AFC North opponent for the first time in three years. In games played in December in 2007, the Cowboys carried a 5-1 record. On the road, Dallas averaged 27 points per game while giving up only 19 points to the home teams.
Defensively for the Browns, Cleveland gave up 22.1 points per game in 2007 while averaging 26 points at home in 2007.
I think Dallas will cover the 3-1/2 points they are favored by.
Dallas 31-24
MINNESOTA AT GREEN BAY
This is a very interesting game. The Packers are 3-point favorites but this is the first time since the Bart Favre era that the Packers are entering the season with 3 quarterbacks that have zero pro starts between them. Green Bay was so close from representing the NFC in last seasons Super Bowl, but that was with Brett Favre at the helm. With no Favre, I can't see the Packers winning this contest, even at Lambeau Field. Minnesota has allowed just 89 yards on the ground per game last season while giving up 269 yards through the air. Under the circumstances they'll be facing Monday Night, that number will improve.
I like the Vikings plus the 3 points.
Minnesota 27-17
KANSAS CITY AT NEW ENGLAND
I just can't see an NFL team being favored by 16 points, If I'm not mistaken, the Patriots were favored by 16 points over the Giants in the Super Bowl. That didn't turn out too well for them (or yours truly) then. Why should I think they will cover this spread, especially when Moss or Brady haven't been seen yet this preseason? If I look at the stats for this game, using last year's numbers, it all points a Patriot blow out. It's just something about not seeing their two marquee players and their aging defense that tells me that New England will win, but not by 16 points.
I like the Chiefs getting 16 points.
New England 35-28
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 03 September 2008 )
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