Colts plus 8 at Ravens
Given that the Ravens are one of the more banged-up teams in the NFL – if not the most injured team – and are in a division sandwich this spot sets up well for the Colts to stay within a touchdown.
The line is past a touchdown because Anthony Richardson is out with a concussion. But the Colts might be better off in this tough road setting with veteran backup Gardner Minshew. Of course Richardson is the more spectacular player. Minshew, though, is less inclined to make mistakes and is the more accurate passer. He’s one of the best second-string quarterbacks in the NFL.
Indianapolis has a strong pass rush and the Ravens are minus perhaps their two best offensive linemen with left tackle Ronnie Stanley and center Tyler Linderbaum out. Gus Edwards is Baltimore’s lone decent healthy running back with J.K. Dobbins out for the season and Justice Hill ruled out with a foot injury. Lamar Jackson will have one less quality receiver to throw to with Odell Beckham Jr. out with an ankle injury.
The Ravens also have injuries on defense with cornerback Marlon Humphrey, safety Marcus Williams and linebacker Odafe Oweh ruled out. It’s the Colts who could have the best defensive player on the field in Zaire Franklin. He leads the NFL in tackles.
Baltimore is fat and happy at 2-0. The Ravens, however, were out-gained by the Texans in Week 1 and were able to beat the Bengals last week with Joe Burrow still rusty. Up next for the Ravens is an AFC North Division road game against the Browns. So this could be both a look-ahead and letdown spot for Baltimore. The Ravens are 5-10 (33 percent) ATS the past 15 times they’ve been favored.
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