5 best bets for Week 2 NFL games

Sep 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) runs the ball in the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Cardinals 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 11, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Javorius Allen (37) runs against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports /

Baltimore Ravens (-6.5) at Cleveland Browns

FiftyFourPercent:

In Cleveland we don’t trust. Our lean is believing veterans Joe Flacco, Steve Smith, Terrell Suggs and Eric Weddle have enough experience and early season energy to take advantage of the Browns’ youth and inexperience at linebacker and wide receiver. Until the Browns can tackle better, it’s hard to take them to seriously.

Baltimore actually had the second-best defense statistically in the NFL during the second half of 2015 and looked great against the Bills, holding them to seven points and 160 yards. A lean is the best we can do, though, with the Ravens, based on their 1-10-2 ATS record the past 13 times when favored.

Glauser:

What I said previously about division rivals? Doesn’t apply here. The rebuilding Eagles may or may not ultimately be good this season, but the Dawgs sure made them look it on Sunday. The offense is in shambles and the defense is solidly average.

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Meanwhile, the Ravens were bitten hard by the injury bug last year and have a core group of veterans clearly in “win now” mode. Frankly, John Harbaugh’s longstanding and successful tenure may be tenuous as well. A loss or unnecessarily close victory over the Browns may help to expedite that process.

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