Ravens Looking to Get Over the Hump in 2021

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This is going to be a big season for the Baltimore Ravens. In particular, it’s going to be a big season for quarterback Lamar Jackson. Since taking over QB1 responsibilities, the dual-threat signal-caller has gone 1-3 in the postseason despite the team being dominant during the regular season. Heading into 2021, they did their fair share of reloading but the injury bug came during the preseason and sidelined star running back J.K Dobbins for the season.

The Dobbins injury is certainly unfortunate, though Gus Edwards is capable of filling a bigger role in his absence. He led all Ravens’ tailbacks in attempts last year (144) while picking up five yards per carry. Known for their use of multiple-back sets, backup RB Justice Hill and QB Tyler Huntley should also be factored in to shoulder some of the load.

On the outside, they brought in a guy with tons of talent as well as much-needed playoff experience: star wideout Sammy Watkins, who won a Super Bowl with Kansas City in 2019 and appeared in another in 2020. Their first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft was also used on a weapon for Lamar Jackson; the Ravens took Rashod Bateman 27th overall out of Minnesota. Bateman, who ran a 4.39 40-yard dash, projects as the Ravens’ starting slot receiver.

According to DraftKings, the Ravens over/under for wins is set at 11 while their odds to make the playoffs are a sure-thing -300. Only four teams have better odds at winning the Super Bowl than the Ravens and NFL expert Gregg Rosenthal projected a Super Bowl appearance for Jackson and company on NFL.com.

Baltimore opens the season with a major splash on Monday Night Football against the Las Vegas Raiders. Like most everything in Vegas, the bets will be flying in before the showdown. Back at their home in Maryland, HB 940, the sports betting legalization bill passed earlier this year, won’t be in effect for the start of the season, but the overwhelmingly supported bill will make in-stadium betting a reality in Maryland later this year.

As of September 3rd, the Ravens will be 4.5-point favorites over the Raiders with the over/under set at 51.