Analysis:
NFL STEAMROLLER OF THE WEEK … Baltimore Ravens (-6)
Baltimore Ravens (-6) at Oakland Raiders 4:05 ET
The Baltimore Ravens visit the Oakland Raiders for this 4:05 eastern kick. There might normally be some concern about the selection with the Ravens traveling home following game 1 at Denver then returning to the west coast. But, reports are that the Ravens stayed out west practicing this week in San Jose. They will be well acclimated to the time shift for this game. There is also concern fading a Raiders team who was 3-13 SU last year, then fell as our victim in week 1 to our STEAMROLLER selection with the Cincinnati Bengals. But based on the Oakland performance in week 1, they are every bit as bad as the 33-13 final score would indicate.
As a result, that selection proved to be right on, as Oakland, who was outrushed last year 119-77 YPG, proved just as inept in week 1 despite the change at the top to new HC Jack Del Rio. In last week’s 33-13 demolition by the Bengals, Cincinnati toted the ball31 times to a week 1 low 16 for the Raiders. The fact the Bengals outrushed the Raiders 127-63, outgained them 396-246 and were a (+2) in the net TO column were all reasons for the 33-13 trashing. You will remember that teams who carry the ball 30 or more times, if their opponent does not, are over an 80% play to cover the point spread. In a similar way, teams who carry the ball 22 of less times per game, if their opponent does not, are a better than 80% play against. Put the two together in the same game, are you are looking at 90% ATS proficiency. Backup QB McGloin replaced injured starter QB Carr (hand), who should be fine for this week’s start. But the Raiders do remain without starting safeties Allen and Woodson. Oakland has for years been an untrustworthy home underdog in non-Division scenarios. They figure to see no mercy from a Baltimore team who looks to avoid the dreaded 0-2 SU NFL start.
Last week, Baltimore was competitive overland in a defensive struggle with the Broncos, holding a narrow 73-69 edge in the running game. But in a clearly defensive contest, Flacco was held at 18-32 passing, with 2 INTs for a total of only 100 yards. The Ravens don’t take kindly to losing, and neither does QB Flacco, who in his NFL career is 22-1 SU following a defeat when facing a foe off a loss.
After losing to the Broncos last week, the Ravens cannot afford to look past the struggling Raiders. With no disruption due to time zone, expect full focus from Baltimore, as much like the Bengals last week, they STEAMROLL this still weak Oakland Raider team into submission, and a roll to a comfortable double digit vic
Pick Made: Sep 18 2015 6:12PM PST