Ravens will provide angst, victory
Lowly Dolphins shouldn’t put up much resistance for Harbaugh & Co.
The Baltimore Ravens do nothing easily.
Yes, they have the AFC’S best record among teams that have had their bye (6-2; Tennessee is 7-2). Their excitement quotient is off the charts, and their special teams are, well, very special.
Yet they specialize in providing angst for their fans and, probably for coach John Harbaugh.
“I don’t think we’re ever really out of a game, but you hate to be in those situations,” receiver Marquise Brown said. “You kind of want to start fast so you don’t have to do that. But, if you’re in that situation in the game, I’m confident that we can get it done.”
They will need to get it done again Thursday night against struggling Miami (2-7), which just ended a seven-game slide by beating equally woeful Houston. The Dolphins are uncertain at quarterback with Tua Tagovailoa having issues with a finger on his left, throwing hand, that sidelined him against the Texans.
Baltimore, ranked No. 6 in the AP Pro32, is a 7 1⁄2-point favourite at No. 30 Miami, according to Fanduel Sportsbook.
Like we said, the Ravens tend to make it difficult. RAVENS, 20-16 KNOCKOUT POOL: No reason to read this after Pro Picks flopped for a second straight week following an unbeaten run. Dallas got hammered by Denver. But we’re obligated to keep trying, so it’s INDIANAPOLIS this week.
No. 32 Detroit (plus 9) at No. 10 Pittsburgh
We cannot see the Lions winning, nor can we see the Steelers covering that big of a big spread.
BEST BET: STEELERS, 22-15
No. 21 Minnesota (plus 21⁄2) at No. 9 L.A. Chargers
At some point, the Vikings will pull out one of these games. And it just could be this is the one.
UPSET SPECIAL: VIKINGS, 30-28
No. 7 (tie) Buffalo (minus 13) at No. 29 New York Jets
One of a large number of hefty spreads this week. However, the very inconsistent Bills are just not very trustworthy at the moment.
BILLS, 30-20
No. 3 Tampa Bay (minus 91⁄2) at No. 27 Washington Another big spread, but in Tom Brady we trust. BUCCANEERS, 33-16
No. 19 Atlanta (plus 9) at No. 7 (tie) Dallas
That stinker last week by Dallas came out of nowhere. This will smell better.
COWBOYS, 30-26
No. 22 Carolina (plus 10) at No. 1 Arizona
It looks as if something special is rising up from the Valley of the Sun.
CARDINALS, 26-13
No. 28 Jacksonville (plus 101⁄2) at No. 18 Indy
Another huge spread that would’ve been bigger if not for the Jags’ upset win last week. COLTS, 29-10
No. 20 Seattle (plus 31⁄2) at No. 5 Green Bay
Two picks here due to the relative uncertainty of Aaron Rodgers being available.
With Rodgers: PACKERS, 27-20 Minus Rodgers: SEAHAWKS, 22-13
No. 11 Cleveland (plus 11⁄2) at No. 12 New England
The winner of this one has an open path to the playoffs. PATRIOTS, 21-16
No. 13 New Orleans (plus 3) at No. 2 Tennessee
Mike Vrabel for Coach of the Year? Could be if the Titans keep this up.
TITANS, 24-16
No. 15 Kansas City (minus 21⁄2) at No. 14 Vegas
We are still waiting for the real Chiefs to surface. Unless they already have.
CHIEFS, 20-19
No. 4 Los Angeles Rams (minus 4) at No. 23 San Fran, Monday night
Rivalry games tend to be close, but the Rams can cover this meagre spread.
RAMS, 26-18
No. 24 Philadelphia (plus 21⁄2) at No. 17 Denver
We could see the Eagles stealing this one. However, it should be tight.
BRONCOS, 24-23 2021 RECORD
Last Week: Straight up: 9-5. Against spread: 10-4.
Season: Straight up: 86-50. Against spread: 75-57-2.
Best Bet: Straight up: 5-4. Against spread: 6-3.
Upset Special: Straight up: 8-0. Against spread: 8-0.