Sportsbooks Aren't Feeling Baltimore Ravens Fever In 2010

NFL News - February 15th, 2010 - Written by John

So maybe the defense isn't as young as it used to be, and Joe Flacco hasn't quite become the franchise-changing quarterback yet. But the Baltimore Ravens inevitably made the 2009 NFL Playoffs for the second-straight year, and really, that's all that matters. Blowing out the New England Patriots at their home turf was just a bonus.

The Ravens provided one of the most lopsided playoff victories of the entire tournament, a 33-14 ransacking in the opening round started with Ray Rice's 83-yard dash. And although they lost a week later to the Indianapolis Colts, a lot can be built on after squeezing into the playoffs with a win on the last week of the year. Still, they are a darkhorse in NFL Betting Odds to win the league title next year. According to Bodog, they are a 20/1 longshot, far worse odds than New England, which is alone at 10/1.

Baltimore's defense ranked third overall in 2009, and stepped up at the end of the schedule, allowing an average of only 12 points in five games before losing to Indianapolis. Only two teams allowed fewer points than the Ravens on the year, despite the unit's average age reaching the 30s.

Ed Reed was a big part of the group once again, but a scary set of injuries to his neck left him pondering retirement at the end of the season. Teammates are predicting his return, but Reed has been vocal about his fears of furthering nerve damage to his neck and spine, and said he would spend much of the off-season weighing his options.

Baltimore is also awaiting word on leading-receiver Derrick Mason, who admitted he was considering retirement, too. The decision made by both will certainly have an affect in the betting odds.

There are no questions about Ray Lewis, though. The 14-year veteran was once again the team's leading tackler with 134, and made the starting squad for the Pro Bowl. Terrell Suggs added 59 tackles despite missing almost half the year with a knee injury, and added 4 1/2 sacks.

Head coach John Harbaugh is still awaiting a breakout season from Flacco, who had a serviceable 3,613 yards and 21 on the year, but will get plenty of help from the backfield after a sizzling sophomore campaign from Rice. His 5.3 yards per carry make him the hands-down go-to guy in 2010, but creates an interesting dilemma for the front office.

When given his chance, Willis McGahee was equally impressive, gaining five yards per and leading the team with 12 touchdowns. But the team will likely need to decide on his future quick, because he still has the ability to start, and could be an interesting trade candidate.

He is due $3.5 million in 2010, and played in all 16 games for the first time since 2005.