100906

May 23, 2008

Finish the week of NFL betting off with our Ravens Broncos predictions. Both of these teams have been playing well lately and will want to prove themselves in front of the national audience.

Sometimes bringing in a veteran quarterback to try and make a playoff run now instead of building for the future isn’t a good idea. Just ask the Raiders how it worked out for them this season. However, it’s been working out for the Baltimore Ravens. Steve McNair, a three-time Pro Bowler and former league MVP, has stepped right in and has become the offensive leader of the Ravens. The Ravens are off to a 4-0 start for the first time in franchise history. The defense is definitely a huge part of the Ravens early success, but McNair has led the Ravens on consecutive game winning drives to keep them unbeaten.

Baltimore’s defense has been dominant. The Ravens’ defense is second in the NFL in total yards giving up just 219.0 yards per game and first against the run relinquishing just 63.2 on the ground. Denver’s defense has gone under the radar, but the Broncos have also been successful in keeping opponents out of their end zone. Denver’s defense went 11 straight quarters without allowing a touchdown before New England broke through with one two weeks ago. I’m expecting the Broncos “D” to have success against the Ravens’ offense as the Blackbirds don’t have the most high-powered attack.

Where the defense has been strong for Denver this season the offense has been lacking. The Broncos were among the top offenses in the NFL last season, but this year they are averaging just 12 points per game. I’m expecting a very physical, low scoring game this Monday night.

Another factor we can’t discount is that Denver is coming off of a bye week. This always goes one of two ways. Either the Broncos will be fresh and anxious to get back on the football field or they will be sluggish and out of rhythm. Since the offense is yet to find any rhythm, I don’t really see the off-week hurting them.

The Rocky Mountain air could be a factor as well. Its normal effect is the fatigue of Denver’s opponents.

Both defenses will be solid so this one comes down to which offense can perform better. The better offensive performance will depend largely on which offense takes better care of the football. We personally feel like Denver has the edge in this game with the home-field and the week off. Baltimore is coming off a battle with the Chargers so our Ravens Broncos predictions are to take Denver -3.5

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