Baltimore Ravens @ Cincinnati Bengals

Baltimore Ravens -1.0

Games Total: 43.5

  • We probably didn't learn a whole lot from Baltimore’s blowout win in Week 1. Alex Collins only ran the ball seven times for 13 yards, but if Cincinnati's defense is even close to competent, we can expect Collins to reach that total by halftime.

  • Joe Flacco ’s numbers were immaculate in Week 1, but I think the Bengals would be happy to let Flacco try to beat them with his arm.

  • Flacco spread the ball around a ton Week 1, with seven different players getting between three and six targets. Michael Crabtree and Willie Snead might get a bit greater target share against the Bengals, but I expect everyone to be involved yet again.

  • We have a lot more answers about Cincinnati’s offense, and while Giovani Bernard will almost certainly touch the ball more than he did in Week 1, Joe Mixon certainly looks like a workhorse.

  • As good as he looked, I doubt the Bengals want Joe Mixon to be their second leading receiver. Tyler Eifert caught all three of his targets against the Colts, and I think there is a good chance he is targeted far more often in Week 2.

  • If Cincinnati’s offense is actually going to be good this year, they probably need John Ross to step up as a legit number 2 wide receiver. He has a long way to go, but I am still somewhat optimistic.

Pre-Game Props

1.  The last non-kneeling, offensive play of the 1st Quarter is a running play (we'll leave this open until the 2:00 mark)  Yes (2.5x) No (2.5x)

NO. Both of these teams ran a ton last week, but the Ravens’ numbers were skewed by game script, and Cincinnati still threw seven more times than they passed.

2. Both teams combine for 11 or more points in the 1st Quarter Yes (3.5x) No (2x)

YES. The line for this game is 43.5, which works out to 10.9 points per quarter. If push came to shove, I would probably bet the under, but even so, the payout for Yes is way, way too good to pass up.

3. Which player throws for more passing yards in the 1st Quarter? ANDY (2.5x) JOE (2.5x)

Joe. These guys are essentially the same player. They are just good enough to be a starting NFL quarterback but bad enough that no team will ever feel good about starting them. Even if you ignore Week 1, Baltimore probably has a better defense than Cincinnati, and that is enough to tip the scales towards Joe Flacco .

4. BAL scores a TD on their opening drive Yes (5x) No (1.5x)

YES. The payout is just too good to pass up. Also, if I win this prop, I have an excellent chance to win the other one, too. I might use my One Shot on this, with the idea that if I win this prop and the second one, I’m probably well on my way towards cashing.

5. CIN gains 2 or more first downs on their opening drive Yes (3x) No (2x) 

NO. The Bengals had two or more first downs in five of their nine possessions Sunday. That being said, I don’t think anyone thinks Indianapolis’s defense is as good as Baltimore’s. And for what it’s worth, Andy Dalton threw an interception on the second play of the game last week.

6. The first offensive play of the 1st Quarter gains 2 or more yards Yes (1.9x) No (3.8x)

No. I just don’t trust either offense enough to say Yes, especially when the payout is so little. The chances of an incomplete pass or a running back getting stuffed at the line are just too great.