Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens Predictions, Picks & Odds

Buffalo Bills vs. Baltimore Ravens Preview

Where: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore

When: Sunday, September 11, 2016, 1:00 PM ET

Line: Buffalo Bills (+3) vs. Baltimore Ravens (-3); total: 44.5 – view all NFL lines

TV Broadcast: CBS

NFL News and Previews

Betting on the Buffalo Bills (+3)

Quite surprisingly, it was the Bills’ offense—not their defense—that was the highlight of their 2015 campaign. Buffalo’s stop unit took quite a step back as it slid from fourth in the league in total defense in 2014 to 19^th in 2015. The hiring of defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, however, might bring the team’s defense back up and running up to par.

Buffalo definitely needs its defense to show up as soon as Week 1 to erase some doubts surrounding the group early on in the season. A matchup against Joe Flacco and company is one good test. Baltimore’s strength lies on Flacco and the passing game so the Bills’ secondary will play a big role in this game.

It’s a good thing Buffalo has Ronald Darby and Stephon Gilmore covering opposing teams’ top receivers, as the two are deemed among the best cornerback combos in the NFL by Pro Football Focus.

Tyrod Taylor’s second full season as Buffalo’s quarterback provides the most excitement for the Bills. Taylor is coming off a breakout year in which he passed for 3,035 yards and 20 touchdowns, adding 568 rushing yards and four TDs.

Taylor is surrounded by top-tier talents with Sammy Watkins taking care of business downfield and LeSean McCoy mostly handling the backfield chores.

Buffalo is 6-4 SU/ATS in its last 10 games as an underdog by four points or fewer.

Betting on the Baltimore Ravens (-3)

The Ravens would rather forget their 2015 campaign. That year, they were left dealing with an injury-plagued roster as if the entire squad was asked to fight in a real war. A new season brings new hope for John Harbaugh’s team that went aggressive in the offseason.

After playing in just 10 games last season no thanks to a knee injury, Joe Flacco is back to lead the Ravens’ passing attack that might be a bit overlooked coming into the season. Flacco has a cannon arm and a group of receivers capable of doing damage.

While Buffalo’s defense is poised for resurgence, Flacco is a Super Bowl-winning quarterback who knows how to handle pressure and deliver when he and his weapons are healthy. That said, Baltimore suffered yet another injury to one of its key players when Ben Watson tore his Achilles tendon in a preseason game against Detroit.

Flacco still have the likes of Steve Smith, Breshad Perriman, and Mike Wallace to throw to this coming Sunday though.

Moreover, the running game should complement the Ravens’ passing attack even after the surprising release of Justin Forsett. Baltimore will see the pair of Terrance West and Javorius Allen sharing the rock.

The under is 4-1 in Baltimore’s last five home games.

Writer’s Prediction

Buffalo (+3) wins, 24-21.

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Buffalo Bills vs. Baltimore Ravens Predictions, Odds, Picks and NFL Week 1 Betting Preview – September 11, 2016