Ravens Running Back Situation is Tough.
The Ravens were coming into the 2021 season with big hopes for their young running back, J.K. Dobbins, in 2021. Unfortunately, Dobbins went down with an ACL tear in camp and is out for the season. Losing your starting running back is tough, but it got worse for the Ravens when they lost their two backups Justice Hill and Gus Edwards, to ACL tears as well.
The team did sign a couple of veteran running backs, Devonta Freeman and LeVeon Bell. They will have less than a week under their belt running the Ravens offense. The Ravens are likely to start their practice squad running back Ty’Son Williams, who has never taken an NFL snap.
Unfortunately, it was not just the offense that lost guys to injuries. Veteran and leader Marcus Peters also suffered a season-ending injury with a torn ligament in his knee. Luckily for the Ravens, their defense is intense and filled with several veterans who can step in and fill spots where needed.
Can the Raiders Defense Match the Offense
The Raiders offense was rather impressive in 2020. They were top eight in yards per game, averaging 383.3. They were also top ten in points per game, averaging 27.1. Derek Carr was great for the Raiders, having his best season in his career. He had an overall QBR of 101.4.
The Raiders also had a breakout year from their tight end, Darren Waller. The tight end led all tight ends in total reception with 107. He was second in yards to Travis Kelce, which is a great company. Waller found the end zone nine times last season, which led the Raiders and was third amongst all tight ends.
The defense for Las Vegas was a whole other story. They were in the bottom ten for yards given up per game, 389.1. They were also the third-worst giving up points per game as opposing teams averaged 29.9 points per game against the Raiders. Gus Bradley will take over for the Raiders as the defensive coordinator and improve on a poor 2020 season.
The Picks
The Baltimore Ravens are currently -4 Monday night. The points total is set at 50.
The Baltimore Ravens were 5-3 against the spread in away games last season. Only twice in those eight games did the team cover the over.
The Raiders were 4-4 against the spread when playing at home last season. The Raiders covered the over six times in their eight home games last season.
The Ravens are in a bad spot with the health of their offense, points will come at a premium. Take the Raiders with the points +4 (-106) and under 50 (-110).