The Baltimore Ravens have made winning their regular season openers a habit in recent years as
they’ve won three in a row. Head coach John Harbaugh and his staff will hope that trend
continues this season. Baltimore should have an excellent opportunity to open the year with a
victory when they visit the Miami Dolphins in Week 1, the team with the lowest regular season
win total projection.

Will the Ravens continue their Week 1 dominance? Or will Miami shock the football world and
open with a win at home? Here is a closer look at the matchup.

NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis

Baltimore has won double-digit games in five of their last nine seasons under Harbaugh. They
will likely need that trend to continue in order to make the playoffs in the loaded AFC. In
addition to their strong record in season openers, the Ravens are 4-1 against the spread in their
last five road games overall. Baltimore is also 5-2 ATS in its last seven September games.

Meanwhile, Miami is primed to miss the postseason for the 16th time in the last 18 seasons. With
the Dolphins are focused on building for the long term, things could get ugly in the short term.
Miami is 5-0 against the spread in Week 1 games over the last five seasons. However, the
Dolphins are 0-5 ATS in their last five contests against Baltimore at home.

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens have an opportunity to turn a lot of heads this season. Second-year quarterback
Lamar Jackson is part of a new wave of mobile quarterbacks with the potential to put up big
numbers this season. With a year of experience under his belt and an improved cast of talent
around him, the stage is set for him to produce. Baltimore added running back Mark Ingram and
wide receivers Marquise Brown, Miles Boykin and Seth Roberts to improve on the offensive side
of the football.

Meanwhile, the defense lost a lot of veterans but has a strong core of youth – especially in the
secondary. They also brought in safety Earl Thomas whose presence will solidify a talented
group of playmakers. The Ravens have emphasized team speed on both sides of the football.
After another successful exhibition run, it will be interesting to see if they can carry over the
momentum in to the regular season.

Miami Dolphins

Miami is a team in transition with question marks at the most important position on the field.
The Dolphins traded for quarterback Josh Rosen in the offseason with the hope that he could
become their franchise signal-caller. However, veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick impressed in the

preseason and ultimately won the starting job. The good news for Fitzpatrick is that Kenny Stills,
DeVante Parker and running back Kenyan Drake are all on the roster heading into Week 1. The
bad news is that they might not be there long as Miami looks to trade veterans for future assets.
The mood around this team is generally sour as the players know that this is a rebuilding year.
With veterans being shopped and a general lack of talent already, it makes it harder for them to
perform well.

Who Will Win Ravens vs. Dolphins?

RAVENS

Away

28

DOLPHINS

Home

17

Score
Predictions

Matchup