NFL Week 6 Predictions: Baltimore Ravens vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Baltimore Ravens vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sunday, 10/12/14, 1:00 PM EST
Opening Point Spread: Baltimore -3
Current Betting Line: Baltimore -3
Opening Total: 42.5
Current Total: 43.5
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

The Baltimore Ravens need to protect the football against an aggressive defense Sunday

Baltimore had its three-game win streak snapped last week, as it suffered a 20-13 setback to the Indianapolis Colts as 2.5-point road underdogs, while going UNDER the betting total for the third time in five opportunities this season. The Ravens gained a season-low 287 yards against the Colts, which is important to consider when making your Week 6 NFL predictions, as offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak chose to run the ball just 15 times. Offensively, the team has gained an average of 148 rushing yards in its three victories. Baltimore is 3-4 SU and 1-5-1 ATS in October the last two-plus campaigns.

The Ravens are utilizing a trio of running backs due to the suspension of longtime star Ray Rice, with that group averaging 4.69 yards per carry after finishing last with a 3.14 figure in 2013. Baltimore owns a plus-two turnover differential, but it must be careful with the football against a stop unit that has forced opponents into making 11 miscues. The franchise has won its last three games against NFC opponents can captured a 17-10 home victory in the last meeting between these two sides on Nov. 28, 2010.

Tampa Bay returns home after going 1-2 SU and 2-1 ATS on a three-game road trip, which includes a 37-31 overtime loss to the New Orleans Saints as 11-point underdogs last time out. The Buccaneers have been out-gained in all five of their games this year, which can’t be ignored when looking over the pro football odds page. Second-year quarterback Mike Glennon took over for Josh McCown a couple weeks ago and has averaged 275.5 passing yards and thrown for a total of four touchdowns. Tampa Bay is 2-4 SU and 3-2-1 ATS as home underdogs of three or fewer points the last two-plus seasons.

The Buccaneers have won their last three games against AFC foes, but they’ll need to play smarter on the gridiron under first-year head coach Lovie Smith, as they’ve been flagged 35 times for 273 yards in their last three contests.