Baltimore Ravens: 2010 NFL Team Preview

Baltimore Ravens
(+1015) – Odds to Win the Super Bowl
(Over 9.5, -155: Under 9.5, +135) – Over/Under Total Wins
(-135) – Odds to Win Division

The Ravens were a couple wins away from a Super Bowl showing, but couldn’t get by their arch nemesis, Peyton Manning, and his Colts. They were very good defensively, but their awesome rushing attack led by Ray Rice, and solid sophomore quarterback play out of Joe Flacco, really saw them flourish into a balanced team. With the addition of Anquan Boldin, the offense is expected to be even stronger, as they plan on being even more balanced team wide. But it’s not all sunshine for the Ravens. One of their young talented draft picks, Sergio Kindle – who many touted as a steal late in the first round, recently had a run-in with a couple flights of stairs and came out on the losing side of that battle. He may not contribute right away, if this year at all, as his skull is fractured. The Ravens also won’t have Ed Reed, at least not likely, until partway through the season. He’s still recovering from his hip surgery, and isn’t expected to come back until he’s been given a full bill of health. For those that don’t know, he might be the best safety in the league – a truly special ball hawk and leader in what was a semi-shaky secondary with him. The Ravens have Ken Hamlin to fill in for Ed until he’s healthy, and can hopefully lean on the offense a little more with Joe Flacco coming into his 3rd year, Ray Rice becoming a house hold name, and Boldin bringing his talents to Baltimore. I still think their over/under total wins of 9.5 is a tough one, and would probably stay away. They don’t have a great payout for winning the Super Bowl either, and they are even favorites to take the AFC North. Both Pittsburgh and Cincinnati have just as good of chances to complete those tasks. I would steer clear of the Bengals’ preseason bets as a couple close games in the AFC North will decide too much of their fate.