Sports Betting: Best Bets for Ravens-Texans, Other Week 1 Action
As the NFL season kicks off, the Baltimore Ravens find themselves in the spotlight for their Week 1 matchup against the Houston Texans. For Ravens fans and sports bettors alike, this game presents an enticing opportunity to explore both the team’s past performance and the exciting prospects of the new season.
We’ll delve into some key statistics and insights surrounding the Ravens’ game this weekend, while also taking a closer look at other intriguing NFL matchups.
Ravens (-9.5) vs. Texans (O/U 43.5)
The Baltimore Ravens have been a consistent force in the NFL in recent years, and as they take on the Houston Texans in Week 1, there are several compelling reasons to keep a close eye on this matchup from a betting perspective.
- Historical ATS Dominance: The Ravens have a remarkable track record in Week 1 games, covering the spread impressively in six of their last seven opening-week contests. This trend indicates that the Ravens are often well-prepared to start the season on the right foot, making them a solid choice for those considering a bet against the spread.
- Double-Digit Favorites: When the Ravens are double-digit favorites in the regular season, they’ve been nearly unbeatable, boasting an impressive 43-0 record outright in such games. This statistic underscores the Ravens’ dominance when they are heavily favored, making them a strong candidate for a straight-up win.
- Recent Dominance: The Ravens have also dominated their recent matchups against the Texans, securing victory in the last two encounters by a combined margin of 51 points.
- Rookie QB Challenge: Baltimore has excelled when facing first-year quarterbacks, holding a formidable 14-2 straight-up record in such matchups. This is a testament to the Ravens’ ability to exploit the inexperience of rookie signal-callers, making them a formidable opponent for the Texans’ C.J. Stroud.
- Exploiting Texans’ Weakness: In the previous season, the Texans’ defense struggled, ranking 27th in points allowed and giving up an average of 170 rushing yards per game. With running back JK Dobbins ready to lead the Ravens’ ground game, he’s poised for a big day against this vulnerable Texans defense. Dobbins could be a key player to watch for those considering player-specific prop bets (Dobbins is a +100 Anytime Touchdown Scorer).
Betting Picks for Ravens vs. Texans
- Ravens -9.5 (-110) against the spread: Given the Ravens’ historical dominance in Week 1 and their ability to cover the spread, this appears to be a favorable bet.
- JK Dobbins to score a touchdown (+100): With the Texans’ defense susceptible to the run, Dobbins is well-positioned to find the end zone in this matchup.
My other favorite picks this weekend in the NFL:
Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears
The Green Bay Packers have a history of success when visiting Chicago, winning an impressive 12 of their last 13 games at Soldier Field. On the other side of the field, the Bears have struggled against NFC North opponents, with a discouraging 1-10 record against the spread in their last 11 such games. While the Bears have added D.J. Moore to boost their offense, the presence of Jaire Alexander in the Packers’ secondary could pose a challenge. Additionally, the Bears’ limited pass rush might make it tough to pressure Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love. With Rashan Gary‘s return, the Packers’ pass rush could be even more potent.
Betting Pick for Bears vs. Packers
- Green Bay Packers Moneyline (ML) (+102)
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Denver Broncos
The Las Vegas Raiders have an opportunity to cover the spread and possibly win outright against the Denver Broncos. With injuries impacting the Broncos’ wide receiver corps, the absence of key players like Jerry Jeudy and Tim Patrick could tilt the scales in favor of the Raiders. The Broncos have struggled in recent matchups against the Raiders, losing six consecutive games in this divisional rivalry. Running back Josh Jacobs has been particularly effective against Denver in his career, racking up impressive rushing yard and touchdown numbers.
Betting Pick for Broncos vs. Raiders
- Las Vegas Raiders +4 (-110)
As the NFL season kicks off, we’ve analyzed the Ravens’ game against the Texans and provided insights into other exciting matchups. Betting on NFL games adds an extra layer of excitement to the season, and with these insights in mind, you’re better prepared to make informed wagers as you enjoy the thrill of the game. Good luck with your NFL bets this weekend!
