Ravens at Raiders: Preview, prediction, odds and pick
By Brad Weiss
The Baltimore Ravens have lost two straight, and will now head West to take on the Oakland Raiders in a battle of two 2-2 AFC teams on Sunday.
Coming into the 2017 NFL season, the Oakland Raiders looked like a team ready to take the next step. After two weeks, they were rated by many as being the best team in the AFC, but it has all come crashing down since. They were blown out by the Washington Redskins in primetime in Week 3, and last weekend, they saw their star quarterback fracture his back in a 16-10 loss to rival Denver.
Baltimore looked like they would challenge the Pittsburgh Steelers for supremacy in the AFC North through the first two weeks, and like the Raiders, it has been downhill ever since. Baltimore made the trip across the pond to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 3, and were destroyed by the Jags, 44-7. Last weekend, the had a chance to beat the Steelers in a big divisional matchup, but once again laid an egg.
On Sunday, these two teams will descend on the Oakland Coliseum looking to get their season back on the right track. The Raiders will be playing with a backup quarterback, though the Ravens quarterback has looked like a backup the last few weeks. Oakland needs to get back to running the ball effectively like they did last season when they finished No. 6 in the NFL in rushing.
Baltimore brought in Jeremy Maclin to help Joe Flacco out in the passing game this offseason, but that move has yet to pay off. The Ravens were supposed to be a playoff team this season, but have been mostly a disappointment through the first quarter of the season. Sunday is going to be an interesting test for both teams, as a loss in this one could seriously damage their playoff chances.
Odds
Line: Oakland (-2.5)
Over/Under: 40.0
The Raiders are favored at home this week, and that is likely due to the fact that the Ravens are playing just as bad as they are at this point. A 40-point line appears to be right, as these teams could struggle to move the ball on Sunday. This line and over/under has changed a bit over the past week or so, so head on over to Sportsbook Review for any changes up until kickoff.
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Prediction
The Raiders will go with E.J. Manuel under center on Sunday, so it is anybody’s guess how the offense will do. He did look pretty good late before an interception ended the team’s chance at a comeback in the fourth quarter. Baltimore has looked pretty bad as of late, so this game could come down to whoever can get a stop at the end.
Final Score: Raiders 21 Ravens 17