2010 Baltimore Ravens: Predictions and Super Bowl Odds

Despite taking something of a step back last year, although still making the playoffs, the Baltimore Ravens look primed to be the team to beat in NFL predictions for the AFC North. Baltimore opened at online sportsbooks as a 10-1 choice to win in Super Bowl odds with an over/under regular season win total of 10 UNDER (-130). If quarterback Joe Flacco returns to the form of his rookie season those both look like attainable good values. Baltimore finished 9-7 straight up last year while going 8-7-1 against the spread in NFL odds. The Ravens went over the total just 6 times in 2009. Flacco struggled last year as the passing attack finished 18th overall in the NFL although he lacked quality receivers to throw to.

That will no longer be the case in NFL betting odds as the Ravens acquired Donte’ Stallworth from Cleveland and Anquan Boldin from Arizona in a significant upgrade. The ground game continued to be one of the best led by Ray Rice, who had 1,339 yards along with 78 receptions to emerge as one of the best backs in pro football. Defense has long been the hallmark of Baltimore and is expected to be again for 2010 after a stellar 2009 season in which they were ranked 3rd in both total defense and points allowed.

John Harbaugh has been an excellent addition as head coach with playoff berths in NFL odds for his first two seasons on the job. With the stout defense returning basically whole and the offense upgraded to assist Flacco the Ravens appear to have everything necessary for a serious run in Super Bowl odds. They certainly have as much talent as any team in the AFC North and without the off the field issues that other division rivals have had to contend with. Owner Joe Bisciotti said of Flacco, “Joe just looks like the kind of guy that’s ready to do what he has to do to get better. It’s time for him to do the things we know he’s capable of doing.”