Baltimore Ravens at Miami Dolphins Betting Preview
Thursday Night Football features an AFC battle of first versus worst as the Baltimore Ravens (6-2, first in the AFC North) take on the Miami Dolphins (2-7, last in the AFC East). The Dolphins will host this one at the Hard Rock Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 8:20 pm ET.
The Ravens come into action Thursday off of a 34-31 overtime victory over the Minnesota Vikings last week. Despite picking up the win, the Ravens’ defense has now given up a combined 72 points in its last two games, something that will have to improve moving forward.
After losing seven games in a row, the Dolphins had the luxury of playing the worst team in football last week as they beat the Houston Texans 17-9 at home. They will have to play much better on Thursday, though, if they hope to take down the Ravens.
Baltimore is the favorite Thursday night. They are -390 to win while the Dolphins’ moneyline sits at +310. The spread features Miami +7.5 (-110), and the over/under for total points is 46.5 (-110).
More Odds
The Ravens are currently the favorite to win a tough AFC North at -170. The Dolphins have the third-best odds of winning the AFC East at +20000.
In terms of the Super Bowl, the Ravens currently have the fifth-best odds at +1000. The Dolphins are +55000 to win Super Bowl LVI.
By The Numbers
Baltimore has the better of the two offenses between the two. They currently rank seventh in scoring averaging 27.6 points per game. The Dolphins rank 28th averaging just 17.2 points per game.
Defensively, it is once again Baltimore with the edge. They rank 21st in scoring defense, allowing 24.4 points per game (19 on the road). The Dolphins rank 27th allowing an average of 26.9 points per game.
Ravens Leaning On Jackson’s Arm
Traditionally seen as a running offense, the Baltimore Ravens have relied more on the arm of Lamar Jackson this season. They currently rank eighth in the league in passing yards per game at 266.2.
On the season, Jackson has thrown for 2,209 yards, 13 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Of some concern, he has been sacked 24 times already.
Part of the reason for the sacks, though, is his ability to scramble. Jackson also leads the team in rushing as he has 97 carries for 600 yards and another two scores.
Through the air, Jackson’s main targets have been wide receiver Marquise Brown and tight end Mark Andrews. Brown has 46 receptions for 682 yards and six touchdowns. Andrews has 42 receptions for 560 yards and three touchdowns.
Defensively, the team leaders include Patrick Queen (42 tackles), Odafe Oweh (three sacks), and Anthony Averett (two interceptions).
Dolphins Look To Make It Two In A Row
In what is obviously a lost season for the Dolphins, they are just looking for signs of growth. While barely beating the Texans isn’t much reason for optimism, a win over the Ravens certainly would be.
One question for the Dolphins will be who is under center. Tua Tagovailoa is currently questionable for Thursday night with his finger injury, and it may be a game-time decision whether it is him or Jacoby Brissett taking the snaps.
In last week’s win over the Texans, Brissett threw for 244 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. The problem is that those two interceptions were part of five turnovers the Dolphins had last Sunday. They can’t expect to win against the Ravens if they don’t take care of the ball.
Take Baltimore To Win And Cover
While the Dolphins are obviously excited about snapping their seven-game losing streak last week, they will likely come back to reality in this one.
The Ravens’ defense hasn’t been great this season, but they probably don’t need to be against a weak Dolphins’ offense. If Lamar Jackson and the Ravens can get out in front, Miami will have no answers in a potential shootout.
Take Baltimore to not only win this game but to cover also.
