Baltimore is usually a strong sports bettingdarkhorse to win the Super Bowl, but the Ravens showed that they should be higher in the NFL betting pecking order with a massive win over their bitter rivals in Week 1. The Ravens head to Tennessee to face the Titans this week, and Baltimore will prove that last week’s win was no fluke as they’ll dominate in all three facets of the game.

What: NFL Betting
When: Sunday, September 18th, 1:00 PM ET
Where: LP Field, Nashville, TN
Pick: Baltimore Ravens -6

Why Bet On Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens put out the biggest statement in Week 1 with a 35-7 thumping of rival Pittsburgh at home, and the defense was the story as they forced the Steelers to commit a whopping seven turnovers, including three picks and a pair of fumbles from Ben Roethlisberger. Nose tackle Haloti Ngata recovered two fumbles, while Ed Reed had a pair of picks and Ray Lewis added an interception for the Ravens, who were out to prove they were the team to beat in the AFC North. Also, a nod goes to Terrell Suggs, who had five tackles, three sacks and a pair of forced fumbles as he played like a man possessed. Joe Flacco was 17-of-29 for 224 yards and three touchdowns, and Ray Rice ran for 107 yards and a score for the Ravens, who may have been the most impressive team of Week 1 because of their opposition and the meaning attached to the game. Pittsburgh has eliminated Baltimore in the postseason in two of the last three years, so the Ravens had a chip on their shoulder, but of course, a win in the playoffs would mean much more.

It was essentially the perfect game for the Ravens, but they didn’t come out unscathed as defensive backs Jimmy Smith (ankle) and Chris Carr (hamstring) left and will likely miss this week’s game against the Titans. This puts more pressure on Reed to watch the safeties, especially on the deep ball, but if any safety in the league can handle it, it’s Ed Reed.

Why Bet On Tennessee Titans

The Titans came up just short in a 16-14 loss in Jacksonville, but overall they didn’t do anything to hurt their NFL betting chances in what is now a wide-open AFC South with the struggles of the Indianapolis Colts. Matt Hasselbeck was 21-of-34 for 263 yards, a pair of touchdowns and a pick, while Kenny Britt had five catches for 136 yards and two scores for the Titans, who put up their points in a short time as they only had the ball for just over 20 minutes. Barrett Ruud led the defense with 14 tackles, and that unit did an incredible job when you realize how long they were on the field for.

Still, Tennessee isn’t going to win many games if they can’t stop the opposition from moving the chains and Jacksonville converted half of their third-down opportunities. The Titans couldn’t stop the run either as the Jaguars ran for 163 yards, which is a big reason for their time-of-possession domination. Another reason why the Titans couldn’t hold onto the ball was a lackluster running game, and you have to wonder if his holdout didn’t affect Chris Johnson, who had nine carries for 24 yards. He got his big-money contract and he’ll get a pass for the first week, but the natives will get restless if Johnson doesn’t produce. The problem is, he’s going up against one of the top five defenses in the NFL this week.

How It Will Play Out

NFL betting odds have the Ravens as a 6-point favorite on the road in Tennessee, where they are 4-1 SU and 3-2 ATS in their last five trips, with three games going under the posted total. Both teams have solid defenses, although the Ravens get the edge in that category. Don’t expect a shootout by any means, even though Baltimore’s defense looked very good in Week 1 and the Titans are going to have their work cut out for them.

Baltimore’s veterans won’t allow their team to rest on the laurels of their win over Pittsburgh, so look for the Ravens to come out with fire and claim a win in their first road game of the season. If the Titans can’t get Johnson going, it’s going to be a long day for Hasselbeck, and the deep ball will be out of play as Reed is arguably the best “centerfielder” in football. The Ravens can also grind out the game with Rice, but their aerial attack is underrated. Expect a comfortable win for Baltimore in your online betting book.

Ravens Titans Betting Pick: Baltimore Ravens -6