Line Movement for Packers-Ravens Hints at Lamar Jackson Being OUT
By Ben Heisler
It's not official yet, but judging by the shift in the latest NFL lines, Vegas does not expect Lamar Jackson to suit up for the Baltimore Ravens this afternoon.
Earlier today, WynnBET Sportsbook sent out their Week 15 NFL splits and highest liability for Sunday's slate. At the top of their liabilities was the Green Bay Packers at Baltimore for a late afternoon matchup vs. the Ravens.
The line last Sunday opened with the Ravens as 4.5-point home underdogs vs. the Packers, but as of Sunday morning, Green Bay had moved all the way up to 8.5-point road favorites. The Ravens had already been short-handed, but after news that corner Jimmy Smith had been placed on the reserve-COVID 19 list as well as the uncertainty surrounding the status of Jackson, it's understandable as to why all the money continues to come in on Green Bay.
This is how short-handed the Ravens are today against the Packers
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) December 19, 2021
?17 players on IR (including 7 starters)
?5 players on the COVID list (including 3 starters)
?13 players on the injury report (with Lamar Jackson unlikely to play)
Are Bettors Overreacting to Lamar Jackson Possibly Being Out?
Last week, the Ravens overcame a 24-3 deficit on the road vs. the Cleveland Browns and despite losing 24-22, still covered a 2.5-point spread.
The Ravens are just 6-7-0 ATS this season, and while Green Bay is a league best 11-2-0 ATS, the line might be getting a little too inflated for my liking.
The Ravens still remain one of the best home teams in the NFL this season at 5-1 straight up, and are 3-0 in non-conference games. The Packers, meanwhile, are 4-3 SU on the road this year, and Aaron Rodgers continues to deal with a toe injury that's been limiting his practice time throughout the week.
Rodgers (toe) took walk-through reps only before practice but there no concerns about his availability.
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) December 17, 2021
“You’d love to have him get those live reps in practice just for the timing purposes, but it is what it is,” LaFleur said. https://t.co/859vLIj3Ua
Even with the number continuing to soar in Green Bay's direction, I wouldn't rule out the Ravens just yet to keep the game in reach. This seems like the perfect time to let every other bettor overreact.
LEAN: Ravens +8.5