Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens Favorites Against Oakland Raiders

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Baltimore Ravens battle the Oakland Raiders this week and are favored by a field goal:

The Baltimore Ravens return home this Sunday, and once again, the line setters list them as the favorite. Every game this season, the Ravens entered the game favored including two road games against the Browns and Jaguars. This week the Ravens are three point favorites over the Oakland Raiders.

The Raiders represent the first real challenge of the season for the Ravens. Baltimore’s opponents thus far combine for a 1-8 record. Oakland’s two wins double that win total, and they possess the an offensive with more weapons than any of the Bills, Browns, or Jaguars.

The big names emanate from the Raiders’ offensive roster such as Amari Cooper, Michael Crabtree, Derek Carr, and Latavius Murray. This season, new names are adding to production. Rookie running backs DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard average 6.5 and 8.6 yards per carry respectively. Clive Walford projects to catch more passes than any tight end in Oakland since Brandon Myers in 2012.

Oakland becomes the underdog because their defense has under preformed based on preseason expectations. They rank dead last in total yards allowed, yards allowed per offensive play, yards allowed per passing play, and yards allowed per rushing attempt. Last week, they managed to hold the Tennessee Titans to 10 points; but the Titans “offensive visionary,” Mike Mularky, managed his “exotic smash mouth” all the way to last in points scored.

The match up comes down to one thing this week, will Dean Pees out coach Bill Musgrave? The Ravens’ defensive coordinator deserves credit for the 3-0 start. In total defense, Baltimore ranks second, and even better, they have allowed scores on only 21.2% of their opponent’s drives. They rank third in the league in this stat.

This shapes up as the closest match up for the Baltimore Ravens so far this season. Considering they haven’t won by more than six points yet, that’s saying something. Stopping the Raiders’ high powered offensive requires a balanced defensive attack with play calling that limits big plays. I know the Ravens are favored, but if you lay your money down on games this week, skip this game because it will be tight.