Baltimore Ravens Only 3.5 Point Favorites Against Redskins
The 3-1 Ravens Are Still Favorites In Week 5…
Once again, for the fifth straight week, the Baltimore Ravens enter their game as the favorite. At least Vegas thinks the Ravens are good even if the media ignores them. This week they host the Washington Redskins in the “Battle of the Beltway” that comes once every four years.
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The Ravens last played the Redskins in 2012. Baltimore traveled to Washington only to come up short in an overtime loss. Kai Forbath kicked a 34-yard field goal for the win, but the Ravens got the last laugh. Washington went on to win the NFC East only to lose in the Wild Card round against the Seattle Seahawks. Of course, the Baltimore Ravens went on to win the Super Bowl.
I’m surprised by the line in this game. Baltimore is only favored by 3.5 points which seems low. The Ravens lost last week and the Redskins won which may explain the lower spread. Still, the Redskins performance so far this year regresses from the mediocrity they achieved last season.
Washington’s defensive ineffectiveness reaches new lows for the team. They currently allow more points per drive (2.73) than any other team. They also allow a startling 57.4% of third down conversions. That’s down right embarrassing.
Even though they continue to enter games as the favorite, the Ravens take subtle jabs at their overall skill level. By listing them as 3.5 point favorites, Vegas essentially said the Redskins and Ravens match up evenly on a neutral field. It’s true that the Redskins’ offense puts up better numbers than the Ravens, but the Ravens’ defense separates them from the Redskins.
Currently, Baltimore ranks first in yards allowed per game. Even last week against the first ranked offense, they only allowed 261 yards. This performance was impressive despite the loss. Dean Pees deserve a lot of credit for returning the Ravens defense to the dominant force everyone remembers. Bet with your head and your heart this week. Take the Ravens.