Baltimore Ravens vs. Denver Broncos Prediction and Pick Against the Spread

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Baltimore Ravens @ DENVER BRONCOS (-8)

We start of the season with a rematch from the AFC Championship. I’m going to pass on this game and look to the spreads on Sunday. I think the Ravens take a step back this season as they have a ton of starters to replace on that defense, which is a huge question mark for them going into the 2013 season.

The loss of Anquan Boldin and the injury to Dennis Pitta also takes some options away in the passing game for the re-signed Joe Flacco, who got a ridiculous contract in the offseason. I say the Ravens end up 9-7 or even 8-8 this year, while the Broncos should finish the season no worse than 10-6 and likely around the 12-4 mark being in an easy division. The Broncos are also without some key players as Elvis Dummervil is now on the Ravens and Von Miller was recently suspended for the first six games of the season, so the Broncos pass rush will be non-existent in this game, giving the Ravens a much better shot at covering this spread.

Denver Broncos (-1) is a solid play to add into teaser cards, but laying (-8) is just too much for me against the defending Super Bowl champions. In the pick ’em league, I’m going to have to go Denver Broncos in their home opener. I expect Peyton Manning to be a machine after adding Wes Welker to his arsenal of receivers. The Broncos offense should be clicking towards an easy victory, especially against a defense that has to find it’s identity after losing several starters.

The public is favoring taking the points in this one. 67% of those betting on the game against the spread are taking Ravens (+8).  Like I said, I’m passing on this game as (-8) is too much to lay, but I just think the Ravens struggle on both sides of the ball while the Broncos offense scores points like clockwork. The Broncos defense just needs to hold up after losing their best two defensive players.

PREDICTION: Denver Broncos 27 – Baltimore Ravens 17

PICK AGAINST THE SPREAD: Denver Broncos (-8) – Confidence: 6/10