Ravens vs. Falcons Pick
The NFL Network Thursday Night schedule kicks off tonight with one heck of a matchup, as the Atlanta Falcons host the Baltimore Ravens at 8:20PM ET. Continue reading for updated odds on tonight’s game, as well as for our free pick.
Oddsmakers from online sports book Sportsbook.com have made the Falcons a 1-point favorite over the Ravens in Week 10. The over/under total for this game is currently 43.5 points.
The Ravens enter Thursday night’s game with a 6-2 overall record. They’ve covered in four of their first eight games with one push. They split in each of their road games this year and covered in two of those four games with the one push also coming on the road.
The Falcons are also 6-2 and in first place in the NFC South. They’re 4-4 against the spread, which includes a 2-2 mark at home. They remain unbeaten inside the Georgia Dome this season, although they’ve had a couple of close calls.
Our Week 11 Free Pick:
With near losses coming against the Saints, 49ers and most recently, the Bucs, people seem to be waiting for the Falcons’ luck to run out. But there’s nothing lucky about the way this team has played at home over the years, especially when quarterback Matt Ryan starts. The Falcons are 17-1 in the Georgia Dome when Ryan starts, with their only loss coming against the Broncos in the former first round pick’s rookie season.
On the flip side, the Ravens are 2-9 when playing indoors in the regular season, losing at Houston’s Astrodome, St. Louis’ Edward Jones Dome (twice), Indianapolis’ RCA Dome (three times), Detroit’s Ford Field, Minnesota’s Metrodome and yes, Atlanta’s Georgia Dome. Baltimore has also had trouble with power running backs like Michael Turner, who has gained 100 yards in three of his past four games.
The Falcons, who have averaged 30.7 points per game at home this year, could build a lead early and sit on it as Turner chews up the yards and clock. If the Ravens don’t succeed in the red zone (where they had trouble scoring last week against Miami), missed opportunities could turn into a loss.
Our pick is Atlanta –1. The Falcons have been nearly flawless at home under Ryan and receiver Roddy White will start despite a banged up knee. That said, this is one that could go down to the wire.
2010 NFL Week 10 Free Pick: ATLANTA FALCONS –1