The Baltimore Ravens entered the playoffs as the best team in the NFL thanks to being 14-2, beating most of the top teams in the league and having an NFL-record-setting rushing attack. Yet, not even the Tennessee Titans taking down the all-mighty New England Patriots is enough to get oddsmakers to stop being all-in on Baltimore’s chances.
With the AFC’s wild-card games finished up, the odds are already out for the divisional round. According to BetMGM, the Ravens are 10-point favorites over the Titans.
It’s a little shocking to see a double-digit spread handed out for the playoffs. And it’s even more shocking to see it after Tennessee dismantled the AFC’s No. 3 seed, running over the Patriots for 201 net rushing yards. But there are some good reasons to believe in Baltimore, even with the points.
The Ravens haven’t really played in two weeks now, resting a bunch of key starters in Week 17’s win over the Pittsburgh Steelers and watching the playoffs from home with a first-round bye this week. That extra rest should see Baltimore as healthy as any team in the playoffs and at 100% coming into this game.
The Ravens entered the playoffs as the AFC’s No. 1 seed for good reason. They’ve been dominant in the second half of their season, outscoring opponents 347-142 in their last 10 games, including quality opponents like the Houston Texans, Seattle Seahawks, New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers and Buffalo Bills. The Ravens have won by 14-plus points in eight of their last 10 games.
While the Titans have a great rushing attack led by running back Derrick Henry, Baltimore has the remedy. The Ravens have the fifth-ranked rush defense, allowing the 12th fewest rushing-yards-per-carry this season. Plus, Baltimore’s strategy has often been to have their offense go up by two touchdowns early in the game, forcing their opponents to abandon the run entirely.
If you’re looking for some big odds to go after, this might be your game. A $500 bet would get a $1000 payout at the current odds. And history certainly points to a big win for the Ravens in this game.
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