Las Vegas Raiders +4
(MNF)
When it
rains, it pours for the Ravens. They have now lost their top-2 running-backs
(Dobbins and Edwards) and their top CB (Peters) to ACL injuries. In addition, their 1st round pick,
Rashod Bateman, is also on IR and this team has overall dealt with a ton of
injuries to receivers in training camp.
I’d expect this offense to come out very sluggish to start out the
year. Defensively, losing a top corner
like Peters is really going to hurt. This
is a tough spot for Baltimore, as so many key injuries in such a short time to
key personnel, will require some time to overcome. Vegas, on the other hand, is entering year-4
of the Gruden regime, and both him and GM Mike Mayock expect this team to make
a huge leap. With improved play from
Carr, a stable of young receivers, and major investment on the defensive side,
it’s not out of the question to expect the Raiders to compete for the playoffs
this year. With sky-high expectations,
expect a strong showing in Week 1 at home on Monday Night. Oh, and did I mention that this is another
early-season home-dog alert?