Breaking down early Ravens point spreads

The NFL released the 2020 schedule and the Baltimore Ravens look to build off a breakout 2019 season when they host their division rivals from Cleveland. The Ravens are the favorites to win the AFC North, sitting at -200. Baltimore’s preseason win total is installed at 11 with -125 odds on the over and +103 odds on the under.

DraftKings Sportsbook posted all the Week 1 point spreads the evening of the schedule release, and they have since added nearly 100 additional games throughout the season. DK does big business in New Jersey and Colorado, so it is no surprise they have all 16 lines for the Giants, Jets, Eagles, and Broncos. However, they have multiple lines for other teams as well. For the Ravens, we get seven additional lines, including prime time games against the Chiefs, Patriots, and Steelers.

Point spreads

Week 1: vs. Browns (-8)
Week 3: MNF vs. Chiefs (-2.5)
Week 6: @ Eagles (-2.5)
Week 7: vs. Steelers (-6)
Week 9: @ Colts (-2.5)
Week 10: SNF @ Patriots (-3)
Week 12: Thanksgiving @ Steelers (-2.5)
Week 16: vs. Giants (-10.5)

Most likely cover

The Ravens might not have upgraded their receiving group by much this offseason, but they sure helped out their defense and run game with moves at defensive line, linebacker and running back. They will once again be a force in the AFC behind Lamar Jackson. Of the games we have available to wager on, Week 1 against the Browns looks appealing, even with the eight-point line. The Ravens are hungry after getting upset in the playoffs last season and have their core group ready to roll in Week 1 while the Browns will need some time to integrate their new offensive line starters. There is no reason the Ravens shouldn’t roll in their season opener.

Most likely fail to cover

I like the Chiefs or the Steelers for this pick, but I’m leaning the Chiefs coming into Baltimore in what very likely could be an empty stadium on the road. That kind of environment on the road for an offense like the Chiefs will be advantageous and you don’t want to give the Chiefs points and any kind of advantage.

Line most likely to change

It hurts your eyes to look at the Patriots roster right now, so the -3 line advantage the Ravens have going into Foxboro in Week 10 seems like it will have to change once we see more of the Jarrett Stidham led Patriots. I do agree with the world and the sportsbooks when they give the Patriots an advantage based on Bill Belichick alone, but New England’s schedule helped them get to the playoffs last season and they didn’t look like a playoff team even with Tom Brady behind center. I’m on a fade the Patriots campaign this season, especially against the Ravens.

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