Two AFC contenders will kick off their preseason campaigns Thursday night when the Baltimore Ravens host the Tennessee Titans at M&T Bank Stadium.
The Titans were the No. 1 seed in the AFC last year but lost their first playoff game to the eventual conference champion Cincinnati Bengals. Meanwhile, the Ravens looked to be heading toward another postseason berth before a late-season injury to Lamar Jackson derailed their year.
Both teams will be looking for a fresh start as they try to start the 2022 preseason on a high note.
Titans vs Ravens Odds
The Ravens are home favorites in this one, with BetMGM Sportsbook offering the best NFL odds as Monday, August 8 at 11 a.m. EST.
Titans vs Ravens Implied Score
Ravens 17.5, Titans 14
As they will throughout the preseason, bookmakers have set a very conservative spread and total for this matchup.
It’s a smart move on their part, as no one knows which starters (if any) will play and which backups will see the majority of the action.
Titans vs Ravens Pick of the Day
Read more on this Titans vs Ravens bet below.
Titans vs Ravens Matchup
On Saturday, Ravens coach John Harbaugh announced that several starters will not suit up for this contest. Among those listed were Jackson, tight end Mark Andrews, defensive end Justin Houston, and defensive backs Marcus Williams and Marlon Humphrey.
That’s what we know so far, but don’t be surprised if there are others added to this list as the week goes on.
On the Tennessee side, head coach Mike Vrabel hasn’t provided the same insight just yet. Still, it would be surprising to see Ryan Tannehill or Derrick Henry out there for this one, especially after Henry’s injury issues last season.
Titans vs Ravens Prediction
Ravens 24, Titans 10
This game will ultimately be decided by the backups, and I’ve got more faith in Baltimore’s depth and preparation than Tennessee’s. Malik Willis could prove me wrong, but it’s hard to know how much the third-round pick will actually play in this opening game.
I’ll take my chances with the trio of Tyler Huntley, Brett Hundley, and Anthony Brown quarterbacking the Ravens.
Titans vs Ravens Bet Tips
The Ravens haven’t lost a preseason game since 2015. That’s a run of 20 straight preseason wins.
If that doesn’t tell you all you need to know about John Harbaugh’s team and their consistent level of preparedness, no matter the roster, then I don’t know what will.
Titans vs Ravens Best Bets
Ravens Moneyline (-190) at BetMGM Sportsbook
Wager: 1 Unit
So you’re telling me that a team that hasn’t lost a preseason game in seven years is only a (-190) favorite to win their preseason opener at home?
I think I can get behind that. Back the Ravens as your NFL pick of the day.
Over 31.5 Total Points (-110) at BetMGM Sportsbook
Wager: 1 Unit
The Ravens love to run the ball down your throat, and that should be their main emphasis on Thursday night. That will keep the clock moving and shorten this game, giving an edge to the Under.
And while I don’t have a lot of faith in the Titans’ ability to light up the scoreboard in this one, especially with Willis seeing his first bit of NFL action, I still think Baltimore can score enough to just barely get Over this number.