All of the talk about the Philadelphia Eagles as a “dream team” this coming sports betting season is definitely premature, something that head coach Andy Reid has already stepped up and said. The problem is that while the Eagles have admitted that they are far from being a dream team this year, the rest of the league has taken notice and is already looking forward to getting their shot at popping them in the mouths. First on that list is the Baltimore Ravens, who land in Philadelphia looking to prove that the Eagles aren’t so special at all.
Baltimore Ravens @ Philadelphia Eagles
Thursday August 11, 2011 – 7:30 PM ET
Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
NFL Betting Lines: Philadelphia Eagles – 3
The Baltimore defense likely won’t rely on their starters for too long in this game, and it is doubtful whether safety Ed Reed will even see the field among others. The key for both teams will be establishing offenses with tons of potential, but that have a lot of work to do after a lockout-shortened training camp period.
NFL Betting Preview: Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens feel as confident as ever going forward with Joe Flacco one year closer to reaching his potential in Cam Cameron’s offensive system. However, gone are veterans Todd Heap and Derrick Mason, and the team will need to find replacements for both in a hurry. Baltimore signed running back Ricky Williams to help Ray Rice in the backfield, and their ability to rush the football will be key as the Ravens relied on the play-action pass more than any other offense in the NFL last season. There are openings on the defensive line and secondary for young players to step up, and it will be interesting to see how they perform against a talented Eagles’ offense.
NFL Betting Preview: Philadelphia Eagles
There is little doubt that the Eagles want to establish a dominant culture from the outset, but putting together all of the pieces that they acquired in the offseason won’t necessarily be easy. Philadelphia’s defense can be stellar with Nnamdi Asomugha and Domenique Rodgers-Cromartie joining Asante Samuel in the secondary, but first the team will need to plug in a capable front-seven to protect them with question marks on both the defensive line and at linebacker. The Eagles’ offense will open under Michael Vick, but it will be most interesting to see how much of a grasp Vince Young has on the playbook so far, and whether or not he is capable of being the No. 2 ahead of Mike Kafka.
NFL Betting Preview: Outlook & Pick
The Eagles still have a lot of work to do, and the players will feel a sense of pressure under the media spotlight that has been placed on them because of all of their sports betting bonus offseason activity. Meanwhile, Baltimore will approach this game with much more tempered expectations, and it will serve them well on the road.
Gambling Advisor blog Pick: Baltimore Ravens + 3
