MNF – Baltimore vs Jacksonville Week 7 Gambling Preview
While a handful of projected AFC contenders have started slow out of the gate, the Baltimore Ravens are right where they expected to be at the top of the AFC North after winning four of their first five games.
Venue/Stadium: EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Florida
Time/Date: Monday October 24, 2011 – 8:30 PM ET
NFL Odds from TheGreek
Money Line: Ravens -400
Spread (ATS): Ravens -9
Over/Under: 39
Once again the Ravens’ defense ranks in the top-10 against the run and pass, a big reason for their success early on. Next up, a trip to south Florida to take on rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Nobody could have predicted the way that things have unfolded in Jacksonville since the open of training camp, with veteran David Garrard cut and the decision by head coach Jack Del Rio to go with Gabbert rather than Luke McCown after less than two games.
While the rookie has shown flashes, there is no doubt that he has been thrust into the spotlight before he was ready, as his awful 48.8-completion percentage illustrates. Part of the problem is an offense that is almost completely void of playmakers beyond running back Maurice Jones-Drew, a big reason why the Jaguars’ passing game ranks last in the NFL.
While the defense has done a good job of keeping Jacksonville in games early on there is only so much that can be expected of this group, and things won’t get any easier with games against the Ravens and Houston Texans over the next two weeks. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Pro Bowl linebacker Ray Lewis and company have to be excited about the chance to teach Gabbert about the problems quarterbacks face against the Baltimore defense.
The Ravens have allowed an average of just 76.6 yards per game on the ground for the third-best mark in the league, and that will put an even greater responsibility on the rookie quarterback to move the ball in this game.
While the defense has stolen the spotlight and deservedly so, the Baltimore offense has really progressed this season with at least 29 points in each of their four wins. Running backs Ray Rice and Ricky Williams have each averaged at least 4.5 yards per carry, and that has allowed Joe Flacco more time and space to go over the top.
Perhaps the only question heading in to this game is whether or not Gabbert will survive four quarters against one of the league’s stingiest defenses, especially considering how he has held up to this point.
The Jaguars’ defense has been very good so far, and how well they do against the Ravens’ offense will make the difference between a respectable loss and a blowout in front of a national audience on Monday Night Football.
NFL Betting Pick: Ravens
