NFL Week 5 Picks: Baltimore Ravens vs. Miami Dolphins

Baltimore Ravens vs. Miami Dolphins
Sunday, 10/6/13, 1:00 PM EST
Opening Point Spread: Miami -3
Current Betting Line: Miami -3
Opening Total: 42.5
Current Total: 43
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

The Baltimore Ravens have the ability of getting after Miami Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill Sunday

Baltimore will look to bounce back from a disappointing 23-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills as 3.5-point road favorites last week, while going UNDER the betting total for a third consecutive contest. Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco threw a franchise-record five interceptions against the Bills, which is important to consider when making your pro football picks. It’s important to point out that this franchise is the only one in the league to earn a playoff spot in each of the past five seasons. Baltimore is 2-1 ATS as road underdogs of three points or less the last two-plus seasons, with the OVER going 2-0-1 in that situation.

The Ravens have allowed opponents to score just three touchdowns in nine trips inside the red zone—ranking behind only the Kansas City Chiefs, Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in that category. In 27 regular season games following a defeat, Flacco has completed 64.2 percent of his passes for 40 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. Defensively, outside linebacker Terrell Suggs has been terrorizing opposing signal-callers, as he’s racked up a team-high four sacks.

Miami returns to Sun Life Stadium after suffering a humbling 38-17 defeat to the New Orleans Saints as seven-point road underdogs on Monday Night Football, while going OVER the betting total for a third consecutive affair. The Dolphins are tired for the league lead in sacks, and will have all kinds of trouble protecting quarterback Ryan Tannehill, as the Ravens can created matchup problems with Suggs and Elvis Dumervil. Miami is 8-3 SU and 6-4-1 ATS as a favorite since 2011, with the UNDER going 9-2 in those 11 opportunities.

The Dolphins can definitely go vertical in the passing game, as Tannehill has connected with former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace 15 times for 176 yards. Miami has won three games in a row at home and seeks its first 4-1 start to a campaign since 2003. Defensively, the team ranks 10th in rushing defense, allowing just 98.5 yards per game on the ground.