Online betting players have Baltimore tapped as a solid darkhorse in the AFC this season, and even though it’s only preseason, the Ravens have been living up to their status with solid performances throughout. They’ll wrap up the preseason in St. Louis, where the Rams look decent offensively, but are still terrible defensively.

What: NFL betting
When: Thursday, September 2nd, 8:00 PM ET
Where: Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, MO
Pick: Baltimore Ravens +3

What’s On The Line

The Ravens are the lone unbeaten team in the preseason after a 24-10 win over the New York Giants at home, and the defense has been in fine form, allowing 25 points in three games. The Rams got a great performance from their No.1 overall pick in a 36-35 win in New England, but he’ll face a stiff test against this Baltimore defense.

Offensive Matchups: Ravens Rams Betting

Baltimore put up 388 yards on the Giants, and Joe Flacco was 21-of-34 for 229 yards, two touchdowns and a pick in his half of action. However, the Ravens suffered a couple of big losses at receiver as Donte Stallworth is out for a couple of months with a broken foot suffered against the Giants, and Mark Clayton has a concussion that could force him to miss this game. This game will also be to decide who will back up Flacco: will it be former Ram Marc Bulger, or Troy Smith?

Sam Bradford was 15-of-22 for 189 yards and two touchdowns against the Patriots, and he showed everyone why he won the Heisman at Oklahoma in 2008. You also have to remember that Bradford missed virtually all of last year with a shoulder injury, so he’s just getting back up to game speed….but not in college, in the NFL. Bradford will get more reps in this game as A.J. Feeley’s ailing thumb is keeping him out of the lineup. Also, the Rams have to replace Donnie Avery, who tore his ACL and was the only legitimate receiver on the roster.

Free sports picks: Ravens

Defensive Matchups: Ravens Rams Betting

Cornerback Chris Carr led the way with nine tackles, and he also added a sack as the Ravens used him off the corner. Linebacker Jameel McClain had four tackles and looks to have sewn up the spot beside Ray Lewis. The Ravens have been playing without the injured Ed Reed, but Tom Zbikowski has been with the team for a while and knows the system, and Ken Hamlin adds veteran depth. The Ravens’ defense wasn’t their intimidating self in 2009, but they’re going to be good in 2010.

The Rams’ defense was on the field for just over 16 minutes…and gave up 35 points (actually, 28 after giving up a score on the opening kickoff). Cornerback Bradley Fletcher and safety Kevin Payne had four tackles apiece, but the Rams couldn’t do anything against the Patriots’ big plays. The defense is in far worse shape than the offense, which is surprising when you consider the pedigree of coach Steve Spagnuolo, who was the coordinator in New York when the Giants upset in the Patriots in the Super Bowl three years ago.

Free sport pick: Ravens

Notable Injuries: Ravens Rams Betting

Stallworth (foot) is out, along with offensive tackle Jared Gaither (back) and rookie defensive end Sergio Kindle (head). Clayton (concussion) is questionable.

For St. Louis, Avery (knee) and Feeley (thumb) are out, as well as tackle Phil Trautwein (knee). Payne (knee) is aiming to get healthy for this game as well.

Sport pick: Draw

Outlook and Pick: Ravens Rams Betting

The Rams are a 3-point NFL betting favorite at home in this contest, but we’re taking the Ravens to finish the preseason perfect. The Rams still have a lot of questions on both sides of the ball, and their offense won’t be able to move the ball against the Ravens like they did against New England. Even the Baltimore second-strong team will have no problems against the St. Louis defense, and their sports betting odds won’t improve until that side of the ball does.

Stan’s Pick: Baltimore Ravens +3

Posted on September 2nd, 2010 by admin
Filed under: Sportsbook news