Ravens vs. Cardinals Point Spread: NFL Pre-Season Week 2 Odds, Prediction
The Ravens opened as 6-point favourites on the NFL preseason odds, but have since slipped to 5.5-point chalk despite commanding 58% of the betting action. The Cardinals lag as +196 moneyline underdogs. The total has tumbled to 39.0 since opening at 14.0. However, the OVER is still backed by 86% of sports bettors.
Pre-Season NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
Sunday night’s matchup at State Farm marks the first preseason meeting between these teams since the Ravens relocated from Cleveland to Baltimore back in 1996. The Ravens have dominated in head-to-head clashes during the regular season, winning seven of nine meetings, including victories in three of four visits to the desert over that stretch. And while Baltimore endured a disastrous six-game losing streak to close out their 2021 schedule, it has been a force in preseason play.
The Ravens have claimed victory by double-digit margins in nine of their past 10 August dates, and have limited opponents to 10 or fewer points in four of their past five contests, and on 11 occasions during their epic 21-0 preseason run. Baltimore is also a perfect 5-0-0 when favoured by five or more points in preseason action, covering four times over that stretch. Conversely, the Cardinals have disappointed in August play, failing to tally consecutive wins during a 3-5-0 straight up and against the spread run. However, their impressive offensive play in last week’s 36-23 win in Cincinnati marks a turnaround after averaging just 11.3 points scored over their previous four August outings.
Baltimore Ravens
Ravens fans will have to wait at least another week to see Lamar Jackson return to action. The former NFL MVP passer saw last season cut short by injury, and while he has been steady at camp, it would not be surprising if he didn’t take a snap until the start of the regular season. Jackson is expected to join a long list of starters who are expected to sit out Sunday’s contest. With veteran pivot Brett Hundley getting cut earlier this week, the stage is set for Anthony Brown and Tyler Huntley to once again handle duties under center. The duo tossed for a combined 226 yards and once score in last week’s 23-10 win over Tennessee, and quickly developed chemistry with rookies Isaiah Likely and Shemar Bridges, who picked up a combined 106 receiving yards.
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals are also resisting the urge to play their starters this weekend after seeing their backups and youngsters turn in an impressive win over Cincinnati last week. Smarting from a wrist injury, star passer Kyler Murray was held out of last week’s contest, and is not expected to see action this week. And with backup Colt McCoy also nursing a sore arm, Trace McSorley is expected to make a second straight start. McSorley was steady in last week’s opener, completing 13 passes for 163 yards and one score. However, he remains in a fierce battle for the No. 3 passer job with rookie Jarrett Guarantano, who did not look out of place while going 7-for-10 and tossing for one touchdown.
While the Cardinals are expect to use a smattering of regulars, a number of key players will likely join Murray on the sidelines including receivers Marquise Brown and A.J. Green, rusher James Conner, and defensive end JJ Watt.
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