Week 16 in the NFL features 11 games on Saturday, Christmas Eve. The bye weeks are over, so there’s a full slate of games and plenty of action to gamble on.
One of the matchups that kicks off on Saturday, at 1 p.m., will be the Atlanta Falcons going on the road to face the Baltimore Ravens.
Baltimore is currently 9-5, just one game behind the Bengals for first place in the AFC North. With star quarterback Lamar Jackson dealing with a knee injury, Tyler Huntley has been starting for the Ravens.
As for the Falcons, rookie Desmond Ridder got his first start last week and will get the start again this week as Marcus Mariota is on the IR with a knee injury. Atlanta is 5-9, which is technically in last place in the NFC South, but just one game behind the first place Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Both teams absolutely have something to play for this week. The biggest question will be whether or not Jackson will make his return.
Continue reading for my best bets and predictions in this matchup.
Falcons vs Ravens Odds
There’s no question that the Ravens have been the better team this year, and it makes sense that they’re 7.5-point favorites at home. Even with the uncertainty around Jackson, the Ravens should still be the favorites, even with Huntley as the starter.
Take a look at the best Falcons odds and Ravens odds for the 2022 NFL season.
Falcons vs Ravens Implied Totals
Ravens 22.5, Falcons 15
The team totals on Caesars aren’t listed yet, but with an implied total of 37.5, oddsmakers are projecting the Ravens to win by about a touchdown in a low-scoring game.
Falcons vs Ravens Pick of the Day
Read more on this Falcons vs Ravens bet below.
Falcons vs Ravens Prediction
Ravens 20, Falcons 13
This matchup could be interesting if Jackson sits with a knee injury once again. He’s been sidelined for the last two games, and Huntley has stepped in and has not been good (0 TD, 1 INT in the last two games).
Baltimore desperately needs Jackson back as they’re currently fifth in the AFC.
Personally, I don’t expect Jackson will play, and am banking on Huntley getting the start again. While this Falcons’ defense has struggled, Huntley has struggled as well.
I think he finally finds the end zone, whether it be with his feet or passing, but only because the Falcons defense is soft on opposing quarterbacks. Huntley will need to lean on tight end Mark Andrews and their young talented running back JK Dobbins, who is getting healthier and more involved.
The Ravens defense should have no problem slowing down Ridder and the Atlanta offense. The Falcons are without Mariota and Kyle Pitts, who has been on IR since Week 12.
Cordarrelle Patterson has seen more action since missing four games earlier in the season, but he’s not the player he was last year.
Overall, expect the Ravens to shut down the young, weak Falcons offense. Even without Jackson, they should take care of business. I’m taking the Ravens to win by a touchdown.
Falcons vs Ravens Bet Tips
Here are a few Falcons vs Ravens betting trends to consider before making your bets:
- The Ravens have scored just 19 points in the last two weeks with Huntley as the starter.
- The Under has hit in 10 of the Ravens 14 games.
- The Ravens are 6-8 against the spread this year.
Falcons vs Ravens Best Bets
Falcons +7.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 0.5 Units
While I’m taking the Ravens to win this one, I’ll be putting 0.5 Units on the Falcons to cover.
Huntley has been serviceable, but not great. The Ravens’ defense will come up big in this one and should have no problem slowing down Ridder and this offense.
Don’t be surprised if both offenses struggle a bit and the Falcons keep it fairly close.
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Under 37.5 Points (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 0.5 Units
I’ll be taking the Under in this one, even if it’s one of the lowest point totals on the slate.
A matchup between Ridder and Huntley doesn’t exactly make for a high-scoring affair. The Falcons’ offense isn’t good, and Huntley hasn’t been good either.
Giving up just 12 points per game over the last three weeks, don’t be surprised if we see another low-scoring matchup this week for Baltimore.
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Falcons vs Ravens Props
Check out the best Falcons vs Ravens player prop bets this week with our props comparison tool. Click on “Show More Games" below to find the Atlanta vs Baltimore game and see all of its prop bets.
