NFL playoffs: The odds are up
The lines are out for the next round of the NFL playoffs and the Ravens are listed as a three-point underdog on the road against the Tennessee Titans. That's not surprising, considering the Ravens lost to the Titans at home during the regular season and the Titans are the top-seeded team in the AFC, but it doesn't mean all that much.
Considering that the home-field advantage is factored in at about three points and the Ravens are one of the best road teams in football, the game is something of a tossup from the perspective of the oddsmakers. It is the tightest line of the four Divisional Round games coming up this weekend,
In case you were wondering, the Giants are posted as a four-point favorite over the Eagles. The Steelers are a six-point favorite over the Chargers. The Carolina Panthers are the heaviest favorite, giving 10 points at home to the Arizona Cardinals.
Comments
Hi Peter, You mentioned in a previous response that it is nice to feel a little self esteem by way of Ravens football. Anyone who draws self esteem from a game played by others for entertainment likely has a problem. I think the operative word is "fun". I enjoy wearing the Ravens hat here in Patriots country (where my job took me). It's fun to watch the home town team compete and get positive press. Phelps plugging the Ravens during the summer Olympics, when the experts said they would struggle to win 6 games, drew derision by some where I work. It sure is quiet now, while the Patriouts sit on the sideline. That's enjoyable. Hope the Ravens can keep the fun rolling.
I may just forego switching to my Orioles cap this spring.
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Pete's reply: I agree with you in principle, but it's okay to get a little puffed up about the Ravens.
Posted by: deasy | January 5, 2009 9:58 AM
It doesn't seem like the Ravens haven't gotten any critical breaks go their way this year, so maybe this is the game where it will finally happens. Also, they haven't gotten any respect from the media. Harbaugh, Flacco and Reed have all been dissed when it comes to awards.
Posted by: Deke | January 5, 2009 3:11 PM
Two thirds of the Earth is covered by water, the other third is covered by Ed Reed.
Posted by: Paul B Towson | January 5, 2009 7:57 PM
While the Ravens have a good shot, I'm a little surprised at how most of your bloggers are just dismissing the Titans as road kill on the path to Tampa.
One blogger noted how Pennington was bettter than Collins which is a joke. Collins is a tough, smart SOB and has a rifle while Pennington has an air horn.
The Titans are well rested and they are much meaner and tougher than the Dolphins. The Ravens are pretty banged up. Hopefully, Rice can come back and help freshen up the Red Zone attack. Flacco is going to need all the help he can get. If the offense plays like they did against the Dolphins, the Ravens will get smeared.
I'm hoping Kevin Mawahae (sp?) and Haynesworth and that other tackle can't play. It would make life a lot easier.
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Pete's reply: I'm not taking them for granted. They're the best team in the AFC until proven otherwise.
Posted by: AGSpoilsport | January 5, 2009 11:15 PM
Question- Who would you want as your Q-B in this Saturday's game, Collins or Flacco? That's why it only 3 points. I'll take Joe. I think Joe is sleeping just fine. Collins, nightmares baby. It's going to be a great game, the Titans and Fisher always are. 3 point dogs is like a pat on the back to the Ravens by the odds makers. Kind of a well deserved "at a boy" for our great season. Everyone is afraid of the Ravens even the odds makers.
Posted by: Rich | January 6, 2009 9:00 AM
The Titans are a 14 point better team than the Dolphins. Hell that's easy, Ravens 27- Titans 9+14= 23. Final score 27-23 Ravens. Who ever said this gambling thing was hard? Of course I am not betting. I learned decades ago that Sundays are enjoyable, and families exist if you don't bet on football.
Posted by: Rich | January 6, 2009 9:12 AM
Hey Deasy-
Get over yourself. Anyone who says "Anyone who gets self-esteem from a game played by others for entertainment" is the one who has problems in my book. You either have your own self esteem issues- or you are just a straight up prude.
I take great pride in the Ravens- living in Los Angeles- where noone could care less about the team. When they play well, I no doubt have an extra pep in my step... on the contrary, after heartbreaking losses, it can take a day or so to fully recover. I am not burying my head and crying about it, but it hurts.
That just how I am with my teams. I feel silly trying to explain it to my girlfriend- because unless you feel the joy and pain that your teams are, or ("other people playing a sport")- than you just don't get it. It's hard to relate or understand unless you just let yourself become emotionally attached to your team. I am, and I'm proud of it... I don't have a problem- that I can assure you. If I had the problem you assert- how could I ever live with myself with what the Orioles have done the past 11 years??
I'd prefer not to read small minded, stuck up opinions like that in the future though. I have a really low tolerance level for them.
And Pete- how about standing by your comments and not backing away from them to appease someone making ignorant comments like that. Those comments would offend just about every last one of my friends and family members who are Ravens fans.
Posted by: Jeremy | January 6, 2009 8:26 PM
I like the Ravens team mentality coming down the stretch. They love that they have to take it on the road to get to the SB. Do these guys challenge themselves or what? Penalties and turnovers will determine this game and I like our chances A LOT!!!!
Posted by: John | January 7, 2009 11:11 AM