NFL Preseason Week 1 Odds – Washington at Baltimore

The Washington Redskins head down up Interstate 95 to take on the Baltimore Ravens in the preseason opener for both teams. The opening NFL preseason odds for this match are a bit confusing at first sight, but there’s a reason why Baltimore is favorite by only 1 point. The Ravens should probably set up a M*A*S*H unit on the sideline, because they’ve already seen Tavon Young, Crockett Gilmore, Dennis Pitta and Kenneth Dixon go down for the season, and quarterback Joe Flacco (back) is already questionable.

On the other hand, the Redskins are dealing with the loss of DeSean Jackson through free agency in the offseason, but so far their injury list is much shorter. So if you’re planning to engage in some NFL preseason betting, we strongly suggest you to keep reading this game preview.

NFL Preseason: Washington at Baltimore (Thursday, August 10)

When: Thursday, August 10, 2017, 7:30 PM ET
Where: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore
TV: Local Affiliates Only
Radio: ESPN 980 AM Washington / WIYY 97.9 FM Baltimore
Live Stream: NFL Live
NFL Odds: Baltimore -1, O/U 37.5

Why should you bet on the Redskins?

The real offensive fireworks from the Redskins will likely come from the running game, as Kirk Cousins is only likely to take the field for a series or two — if any. That means that Colt McCoy, the primary backup at this point, should see a lot of action, and so should Nate Sudfeld, who has to make the case that he should be the third quarterback — and the heir apparent to Cousins — but he is just a second-year player without a lot of exposure. So the Redskins will rely on Mack Brown and Samaje Perrine carrying the ball, as Rob Kelley (neck) is really the only major injury on the Washington side.  

Couple vets get a rest, Cravens/Swearinger communicate effectively, Quick’s catch of the day & more from #SkinsCamp.https://t.co/sGp8XqhHrP

— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) August 7, 2017

On defense, rookie Jonathan Allen should get a lot of time on the defensive line. Other works in progress include Kendall Fuller at corner back — will he a solid #3 option, or will he surpass Bashaud Breeland and take a starting slot? Su’a Cravens should get some time at safety, and Deshazor Everett is looking to nab a safety position as well. If these players show some promise, the Redskins could stop a Baltimore offense looking for some momentum.

Why should you put your money on the Ravens?

The Ravens will have to give Ryan Mallet some time at quarterback since he could be the starter, depending on how Flacco’s back issues turn out. Mallet enters his third year with the Ravens, so learning the system shouldn’t be a problem. However, in six games, he has thrown three picks against just a pair of touchdowns. Dustin Vaughan and Josh Woodrum will likely get some time under center as well. Mike Wallace and free agent signing Jeremy Maclin will likely just play a series of two at the wide out position, which means that the quarterback trio will have Chris Moore and Breshad Perriman as targets — not the best, but the Redskins don’t have much of a secondary. That was one of their primary weaknesses in 2016.

The Ravens made their salty defense even stronger in the draft. Tyus Bowser and Marlon Humphrey lead a strong class of young defenders who should get plenty of time in this opener. Brandon Carr arrives as a free-agent cornerback, and expect him to play several series as the Ravens try to assimilate him into their scheme. The defense is the real key for the Ravens in this game, particularly if even Mallet struggles early to move the ball. As long as the Ravens’ new players stay in their roles within the system, they should be able to manage the Redskins’ reserves on offense.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction Given the fact that we’ll see so many reserves on the field, I’m going with the stronger defensive system to carry the day. I like the Ravens to control the flow of play and ultimately come out with a win after a grinding and physical game. Give me a final of Baltimore 16, Washington 12.