NFL Playoffs – AFC Divisional Pick Baltimore @ Tennessee
The Baltimore Ravens (12-5 SU, 13-4 ATS, 9-7-1 O/U) flexed their powerful defensive muscles at the Miami Dolphins’ expense last week, beating the Fish 27-9 to cover the spread as a 3.5-point favorite in the BetUS Sportsbook despite playing on the road. The Tennessee Titans (13-3 SU, 12-4 ATS, 8-8 O/U) lost their final regular season game back on Dec. 28, falling to the now-dispatched Indianapolis Colts in a meaningless contest.
The AFC rivals will meet for the second time this season, this time with the right to advance to the AFC title games riding on the line.
The Ravens imposed their will on Miami as its stout defensive unit picked off normally unflappable Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington four times en route to their emphatic win.
“We heard all week that they don’t turn the ball over,” linebacker Ray Lewis said. “But we force turnovers.”
Blossoming rookie quarterback Joe Flacco completed just 9 of 23 passes for 135 yards with no touchdowns, but Baltimore got 71 rushing yards and one touchdown on 19 carries from bruising back Le’Ron McClain while spectacular All-Pro safety Ed Reed made a pair of interceptions and returned one for a touchdown in the win.
“We’re going to Tennessee,” Reed said. “Be there.”
Baltimore limited the Dolphins to just 52 yards rushing.
“No one is surprised at the way Ed Reed plays,” Harbaugh said. “He may be the best player in the game.”
Tennessee beat the Ravens 13-10 in Baltimore in Week 5 as veteran quarterback Kerry Collins completed 17 of 32 passes for 163 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions.
The Titans’ own defense picked off Flacco twice in the contest while not allowing him to throw a touchdown pass.
Tennessee managed to walk away victorious despite allowing Baltimore to have possession for nearly 35 minutes and rushing for just 47 total yards despite having one of the best rushing attacks in the game.
Here is a look at the key NFL betting trends for each team followed by my in-depth analysis and NFL Free Picks:
The Ravens are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 vs. AFC.
The Ravens are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games after accumulating more than 150 yards rushing in their previous game.
The Titans are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a S.U. loss.
The Titans are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games following an ATS loss.
The Under is 4-0 in Ravens last 4 games following a S.U. win.
The Under is 5-0 in Titans last 5 games as a favorite of 0.5-3.0.
The Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings.
The Ravens are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 meetings in Tennessee.
The Underdog is 13-4 ATS in their last 17 meetings.
NFL Odds
Baltimore Ravens +3 -115
Tennessee Titans -3 -105
Over 34½ -110
Under 34½ -110
Analysis: The Baltimore Ravens looked phenomenal on defense last week and certainly have a chance to win this contest. However, I’m thinking this contest is going to turn out just like the regular season meeting between these two teams when Tennessee won narrowly on the road.
Tennessee’s own powerful defense, veteran quarterback, powerful rushing attack – and the fact that they are playing at home – will be enough to lift the Titans to victory.
Take the Titans to win and cover the spread by the slimmest of margins.
