NFL Week 1 Betting: Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens

Two teams out of the AFC North will get together in Baltimore on Sunday. Both of these teams made the postseason a season ago. The Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens will get together for a week one battle. Both the Bengals and the Ravens went 2-2 in the pre-season. Last season, the Ravens were the divisional winners, while Cincinnati snuck into the postseason via the wildcard spot, along with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Ravens struggled in their pre-season finale; getting smoked  by St. Louis. Baltimore will still rely on several of their top offensive players of a season ago. Joe Flacco is once again behind center, while Ray Rice will be their top running back option. Torrey Smith came onto his own last season; catching 50 passes; 7 of them going for touchdowns. The Ravens defense is expected to be one of the best once again in 2012. Last season, Baltimore allowed just 288 yards per game; including the second best run defense of 92.6 per game.

The Cincinnati Bengals were a surprise team a season ago. Look for teams to be more prepared for the attack of Andy Dalton to A.J. Green. The two combined for 7 touchdown receptions last year. The Bengals will look to replace Cedric Benson, who finished with 1067 rushing yards and 6  touchdowns in 2011. Cincinnati fell in their pre-season final game against Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts.

Odds and Sports Betting Line

Cincinnati Bengals +6

Baltimore Ravens -6

Free Prediction

Anytime divisional foes get together; crazy things can happen. While Cincinnati was a great story a season ago; we feel like they will have a tough time repeating that success this year. The Ravens defense will want to start the season proving they are not too old; which many have stated recently. The Ravens will come away with the win in this game, and it will come relatively easy.

Prediction: Baltimore Ravens 31-10

Free Pick

The Baltimore Ravens are a great pick in this game. Cincinnati simply does not have the fire power that the Ravens do on both sides of the ball. The pick to make in this game; is the home team – Baltimore Ravens -6.

Pick: Baltimore Ravens -6