Baltimore Ravens at Carolina Panthers, Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
Sunday, November 21, 2010, 1:00 pm EST, TV: CBS
Opening Line: Ravens -8
Current Line: Ravens -11
Opening Total: 37
Current Total: 37
Money Line: Ravens -600 / Panthers +450
The Baltimore Ravens (6-3) have not played well defensively for the most part over their last four games, but they will not have much to fear from the Carolina Panthers (1-8) on Sunday. The Panthers have scored only seven touchdowns this season and average an NFL-low 11.6 points per game, plus they will be starting a quarterback who has thrown just five passes in the last eight seasons combined. If that was not enough of an edge, the Ravens (-11) also will be well-rested following a 26-21 loss at Atlanta back on November 11.
Baltimore had seemingly rallied back to beat the Falcons after they trailed 10-0 at halftime, taking a 21-20 lead with 1:05 remaining in the game. But the defense allowed Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan to lead his team down the field and score the game-winning touchdown with 20 seconds left. The Ravens typically do not allow opponents to score so easily, making some believe that their age and lack of depth might finally be catching up to them.
The team’s offense has improved enough to help make up for the deficiencies, averaging 21.8 points and 344.9 yards per game. Third-year quarterback Joe Flacco has played especially well over the last four games, throwing 10 touchdown passes and only one interception with passer ratings of 111 or higher three times during that stretch.
If Baltimore running back Ray Rice could just get on track, he could take some pressure off Flacco and help control the clock. Rice has rushed for more than 88 yards only once this season (133 in Week 5) and scored both of his two touchdowns in that same game against the Broncos.
Carolina’s defense has not fared well against the run this season, surrendering an average of 131.6 yards per game on the ground. The Panthers are also giving up 23.6 points per game and could have a rough day against Flacco and Rice if they do succeed offensively.
Former practice squad quarterback Brian St. Pierre gets the nod against Baltimore after starter Matt Moore was lost for the season with a shoulder injury and rookie Jimmy Clausen suffered a concussion. St. Pierre was a stay-at-home dad before getting the call and has played in just two games during his career. He will have four practices overall to prepare for the Ravens, including one with the practice squad last week.
Another issue for St. Pierre and the Carolina offense is the running game, led by fourth-string running back Mike Goodson. Injuries to DeAngelo Williams (foot), Jonathan Stewart (concussion) and Tyrell Sutton have given Goodson an opportunity, and he responded by rushing for 100 yards on 23 carries last week in a 31-16 loss at Tampa Bay.
The Panthers have won three all-time meetings with the Ravens both straight-up and against the spread, although the last game between them came in 2006. Carolina is just 2-7 ATS this season though and has seen the UNDER cash in six of its last eight games.
Now that you have read this football betting preview, be sure to check out the NFL odds on this game between the Panthers & Ravens and compare the best lines at multiple sportsbooks.
