Baltimore Ravens Vs New York Jets: Las Vegas Line & Pick Against the Spread

Monday Night Football gets off to a rip roaring start September 13th with a defensive battle to the death between the New York Jets and the Baltimore Ravens. The New York Jets may be at the same point the Baltimore Ravens were last season. An inexperienced quarterback in Mark Sanchez and an impressive defense to keep the game close.

Defense is the Name of the Game for Rex Ryan's New York Jets & his Former Defense on Baltimore Ravens

Rex Ryan was the defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens before he came over to become head coach of the New York Jets. The Ravens defense is molded from Rex Ryan's hard nosed abrasive style. In the middle, the leader Ray Lewis commands an aging but still aggressive Baltimore Ravens defense. Missing will be master of the secondary Ed Reed. Reed is a game changer and he will be missed in this game.

Bart Scott the inside linebacker for the New York Jets is a former Baltimore Raven understudy to Rex Ryan and is the unquestioned leader of the New York Jets defense. Scott is the motor that gets the New York Jets defense roaring into action. Scott has a presence on the field that will demand the respect of his former teammates. The late return of Darrelle Revis is a huge boost to the New York Jets defense that has not looked up to snuff in the preseason. The edge on defense goes to the Baltimore Ravens over the New York Jets but both defenses are very stout.

Running Games of Baltimore Ravens & New York Jets Will Involve Passing Out of Backfield

A strong running game keeps the Baltimore Ravens at the top of their game. Ray Rice has been a devastating offensive force for the Baltimore Ravens and is the key to their offense. Rice is strong rushing out of the backfield and he is also impressive catching the ball in the flat out of the backfield. Willis McGahee is a solid back to Ray Rice and a perfect compliment.

Shonn Greene is expected to carry much of the load in the 2010 NFL season for the New York Jets. Greene will share some time with 30 year old back up, LaDanian Tomlinson and if Tomlinson continues to run with renewed vigor he may soon be the number one back. The edge in the running game goes to Baltimore Ravens.

Passing Attacks of Both Teams Could be Interchangeable with Joe Flacco & Mark Sanchez

Mark Sanchez of the New York Jets was not the greatest quarterback in the NFL last season, in fact he may not have been the 25th best quarterback in the NFL. Sanchez will be under pressure in this game from the opening gun and don't expect him to play well in this situation. Three or four interceptions are likely from Sanchez in this opening game.

Joe Flacco the quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens has been under pressure in many situations and he has performed admirably. Flacco also has three solid receivers to choose from now with the addition of TJ Houshmandzadeh, who will join Anquan Boldin and Derrick Mason. All three are possession receivers but none of the three are a legitimate deep threat. Edge for the passing attack goes to the Baltimore Ravens over the New York Jets.

Baltimore Ravens vs New York Jets -3: Las Vegas Line & Pick Against the Spread

The Baltimore Ravens come into the first game of the season against a stout defense in the New York Jets. The Las Vegas Hilton Superbook has posted the New York Jets as three point favorites over the Baltimore Ravens and most of this line is influenced by the home field advantage. There will be no doubt the New York Jets faithful will be ramped up for this game and the crowd could be a factor.

The bottom line on this game is it will be a low scoring defensive battle that will be won by a team that can sustain a strong ball control offense. This will play right into the hands of the Baltimore Ravens. There will be a ball control running attack that employs small possession passes across the middle to Flacco's sure handed receivers. The second factor will be Mark Sanchez throwing too many ill advised passes. Take the Baltimore Ravens to cover the +3 spread and win the game straight up.

sources:

Odds to Win the 2011 Super Bowl
Las Vegas Over/Under Win Totals
www.lasvegasinsideinfo.com
www.profootballtalk.com
www.nfl.com