Baltimore Ravens at Philadelphia Phillies
Thursday, 8/11/11, 7:30 PM EDT
Opening Point Spread: Philadelphia Eagles -3.5
Current Betting Line: Philadelphia Eagles -3
Opening Total: 35
Current Total: 34
Odds courtesy of Bookmaker
Baltimore saw its 2010 season end in Pittsburgh last year by dropping a 31-24 contest in the AFC divisional round. The Ravens finished the year with a 13-5 record when including playoff action, while posting a 9-8-1 ATS mark. Plenty of NFL fans are looking forward to this opening week matchup in exhibition play, as head coach John Harbaugh returns to a place where he spent nine years on the coaching staff. “It’s going to be interesting,” Harbaugh commented. “I don’t know if I know here the visiting locker room is. It’ll be my first time in it.” Baltimore is 3-0 ATS in the past three years when facing NFC East opponents.
The Ravens have been under Harbaugh’s direction since he left Philadelphia in 2008 and the roster has had some dramatic changes heading into the 2011 campaign. Baltimore begins a new era without veterans Todd Heap and Derrick Mason in the offensive huddle, which was a surprising move due to both sitting atop the franchise’s list in all-time receptions. Quarterback Joe Flacco will need to raise his level of play another notch this year and will get the exhibition season started in a familiar area. He expects to see a lot of family and friends in the stands, as he’s a native of Audobon, New Jersey.
Philadelphia has been the most talked about team in the National Football League since the lockout ended and will start its march toward a Super Bowl appearance that many experts predict. The Eagles will be playing the first-team offense and defense in the first quarter tonight, but receivers DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Macklin will not participate. Jackson just arrived in camp Monday and Maclin has been battling health issues. Once the first 15 minutes has come to an end, head coach Andy Reid will send out the second-team to play the second quarter. Philadelphia is 1-5 ATS in its last six games as a favorite.
The Eagles have been a force during free agency and the signing of Pro Bowl cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, defensive end Jason Babin and defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins has dramatically improved the stop unit. Philadelphia ranked 15th in both passing and rush defense last year, but dramatic improvement is expected due to a top-flight secondary. Asomugha joins Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Asante Samuel to make up a formidable trio at the cornerback position.
Bettors will likely back the Ravens due to their 22-15 ATS mark in the preseason as an underdog, while the Eagles are 0-7 ATS in the exhibition season’s first game.
