2013 NFL Odds: Baltimore Ravens are 7.5 Underdog to Denver Broncos in Season Opener
By Josh Sanchez
In something that bucks the trend for nearly the past decade, the defending Super Bowl champions will open their season as underdogs. The Baltimore Ravens will be making the journey to Mile High to face off against the Denver Broncos and they will enter the game as 7.5-point underdogs.
Over the past eight years, this has never happened before.
Here is how the past eight years played out:
Year __Defending SB Champ _______Opponent/Result
2005: New England Patriots (vs. Oakland Raiders: 30-20 Win) New England 7.5 Point Favorites
2006: Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. Miami Dolphins: 28-17 Win) Pittsburgh 1 Point Favorites
2007: Indianapolis Colts (vs. New Orleans Saints: 41-10 Win) Indianapolis 5.5 Points Favorites
2008: New York Giants (vs. Washington Redskins: 16-7 Win) New York 4.5 Point Favorites
2009: Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. Tennessee Titans: 13-10 Win) Pittsburgh 6.5 Point Favorites
2010: New Orleans Saints (vs. Minnesota Vikings: 14-9 Win) New Orleans 4.5 Point Favorites
2011: Green Bay Packers (vs. New Orleans Saints: 42-34 Win) Green Bay 4.5 Point Favorites
2012: New York Giants (vs. Dallas Cowboys: 24-17 loss) New York 3.5 Point Favorites
The defending Super Bowl champs were victorious seven of the last eight years, with the lone loss coming last season. They were also favored in every match up until the Broncos opened up -7.5 against the Ravens.
Who will win the season opener? Sound off in the comments section and share your thoughts.