NFL 2021 Regular Season: Baltimore at Las Vegas Betting Analysis

A team’s season can change in just an hour or two, and we saw that on Thursday with the Baltimore Ravens. Defensive back Marcus Peters tore his ACL in practice. Peters was a huge part of Baltimore’s outstanding defense. And just when they thought things were bad, they got worse, as running back Gus Edwards also tore his ACL. The Ravens had already lost starter JK Dobbins to injury, and now they’ve lost his replacement.

All of this bad news doesn’t help the Ravens, as they head to Sin City for a Monday Night showdown with the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. While John Harbaugh and the Ravens have made the playoffs the last three seasons, the Raiders haven’t made a postseason appearance since 2016. With all that said, it’s time we take a look at both the Ravens and the Raiders so you can get ready to bet against their NFL odds.

NFL Betting Preview for Ravens vs Raiders

Baltimore Ravens

We’ve already talked about their injury issues. Now let’s talk about some of their strengths. Lamar Jackson can be one of the biggest weapons in the league. When his passing accuracy is on point, Jackson can make things happen. Even without big-name receivers, Jackson still finds a way to win games. Tight end Mark Andrews has been a key to the Ravens’ success. Jackson will be behind a rebuilt offensive line this season, so we’ll see how well this new line can protect Jackson.

Baltimore has had one of the top defenses in the NFL over the past few seasons. Even without Peters, the Ravens defense will still be one of the best in the league. They have a very strong front line, and even without Peters, the secondary will still be very strong. Marlon Humphrey is one of the best cornerbacks in the league.

Las Vegas Raiders

Jon Gruden could be on the hot seat this season. Gruden hasn’t made the Raiders into a perennial playoff team like he promised when he was hired. Derek Carr will once again lead the Raiders offense. He’ll be backed up by Josh Jacobs and Kenyan Drake in the backfield. The Raiders receiving corps isn’t particularly strong, but Carr will have one of the top tight ends in the game in Darren Waller to throw to.

Defensively, the Raiders have struggled to stop anyone. Gus Bradley was hired to be the Raiders’ new defensive coordinator. Las Vegas signed some free agents to help solidify one of the worst defenses in the league last season. If the Raiders make positive strides on the defensive side of the ball, they have a shot at making things difficult for the AFC West and could even sneak into the playoffs.

Prediction

Prior to Peters and Edwards getting hurt, the Ravens were a 4.5-point favorite. We figure that that number could change in the upcoming days. Regardless, we’re going to pick the Ravens to win and cover the spread. Their running attack will be too much for the Las Vegas defense to stop. If Jackson can complete some passes early on and get his confidence up, it could be a very long day for Jon Gruden’s squad. Baltimore wins this one 27-20.

I have read enough, I need to place my bet now. What to do?