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Jacksonville Jaguars at Baltimore Ravens NFL Betting & Predictions

Written by Jimmy Boyd

jags-ravens

Baltimore has won eight of its last 10 games, including a 33-24 win over Dallas last Saturday night, to inch that much closer to securing a playoff berth. Plain and simple, a win and their in and odds makers see that as being the case in convincing fashion. But the Ravens may be in before this one even kicks off. The NFL moved the start time of this game to 4:15 p.m. EST so if New England loses to Buffalo earlier on Sunday, the Ravens would clinch a playoff spot by virtue of a better conference record. That could be something to consider before wagering on this game. The Baltimore Ravens are 12.5-point favorites with the total set at 35.5.

It has been a nightmare season for the Jacksonville Jaguars who were a playoff team last year. They have lost five of their last six games, but they can at least feel good about playing quality football each of the past two weeks. Two weeks ago, Jacksonville ended its 4-game losing streak by defeating the Green Bay Packers. Last week is held a two touchdown lead over division rival Indianapolis before allowing the Colts to escape with a 31-24 win. That must have been all personnel director James Harris could take, or would be allowed to take, as he resigned Tuesday in what is likely the beginning of a team overhaul. This will mark the first time the Jags will finish in last place in the AFC South since the divisions were realigned.

The Ravens found themselves in a similar situation to Jacksonville a season ago. Following a strong 2006 campaign, the Ravens couldn’t do anything right last season, but they were able to earn a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in their season finale to give them some momentum coming into 2008.

Rookie QB Joe Flacco has been a difference maker this year, giving the team a passing threat that they have not had in recent years. He threw for 149 yards against the Cowboys and has 13 touchdown strikes in his last 10 games. A solid running game has made his life much easier in his rookie season as Le’Ron McClain and Willis McGahee are a formidable one-two punch. The duo leads Baltimore with 832 and 647 rushing yards, respectively, and has helped Baltimore rank second in rushing at 149.9 yards per game. If you like Baltimore to abuse the Jags this week, bet the Ravens at -12.5 at BetUS.

Jaguars QB David Garrard is coming off one of his best games of the season, throwing for 329 yards and a score, but he threw a costly fourth quarter pick-six and took a game-ending sack when threatening to score on the Colts seven-yard-line.

It was good to see running back Maurice Jones-Drew get back in track with a 91 yards day. It was his best effort since gaining 125 yards in mid-October in a win against Denver. The formula has been simple, run the ball effectively and the Jags will have a chance to win. But things are often easier said that done and that has been the case for Jacksonville. Aside from leading the Jaguars with 746 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, Jones-Drew is also second on the team with 555 receiving yards. I would love to see what this guy could do on a team with a better offensive line and with more deep threats to stretch the field.

The Jags could be hard-pressed to score this week as they face a defense ranked second in total defense and third in scoring defense. The Ravens have won the last four home matchups in this series. They are 5-2 at home this season and have not allowed more that 13 points in any home game this year. Still, if you think odds makers are spotting Jacksonville too many, bet the Jaguars at +12.5 at BetUS.

Get all the current NFL odds from now through the Super Bowl right here at Locksmith Sports. Jimmy Boyd’s live odds pages provide up to the minute NFL betting lines from the world’s top online sportsbooks. Try Jimmy’s NFL picks on for size this week as he continues his dominant run.

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Written by Jimmy Boyd on December 24, 2008 · Filed Under NFL Betting Articles, News & Previews

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