A message from the enemy - Bengals vs. Ravens

[deadone]

Yes I am a Ravens fan, though I have never hated the Bengals and when the Colts left town, Cincy was one of the teams I pulled for. I think I have too much hatred for the Steelers (tho respect is there) for any more hate. Plus Chad is one of my favorite players, glitz, humor, and talent with class. Anyway, I am not here to scuff up your board, I always read other teams boards before the Ravens play them because the fans always seem to know more than the newspapers. And since I am a football addict I have to have my info..... so I checked out yours.

Very excited that these two teams got the Monday matchup on the first week. Here is my honest take and pretty much un-biased look. My unbiased nature comes from being a football bettor, and being a homer does not make for a long life in that trade. If I was giving selling opinions here is what it would be for this game.

1st the Ravens

1. The Ravens offensive line while having lots of young talent is not ready to play at a high level. Pass protection has been fair at best and very few holes are opening for the RBs. Its going to take a few regular season games before we know if this line can get the Ravens to the playoffs. What makes things worse is that the fullbacks lead blocking or blitz protection from the RB spot is weak at this point. LT Ogden has only practiced 1 week since last year. Status still unknown for the game. Even so, he can't be at full mode, though he looks like he is in good shape and in good spirits. Not only that but this line as it tries to gel is very prone to false starts. New RB Willis McGahee has yet to show much, mostly due to line issues. I still don't know if letting Jamal Lewis go was a good idea. The Ravens should be OK on the line by week 5, but its the single biggest weakness right now. Gaethers and Smith will cause problems. Thornton and Peko are decent. BENGALS EDGE.

2. McNair is fine. He was only sacked 17 times last year (2nd lowest in the league). His age and health are a non-factor going into this game (unless the line gets him killed). He had a good season last year but with another full camp under his belt, he really knows this offense now, and might be in the NFL top 5 passing, if the line holds up. This is best receiever quad (Mason, Clayton, Williams + Heap) in Ravens history. With the Bengals pass defense playing it as loose as they do, slight edge to Ravens getting downfield in the air (but once again the line issues come into play). RAVENS EDGE.

3. Ravens are fairly healthy as NFL teams go. Samari Rolle's anke could be an issue. Not good to be less than %100 against Palmer/Chad/TJ. Other than that (except Ogden ??) no serious injury issues exist, the ususal bumps and bruises. Mcalister always provides a good matchup with Chad, and there is no quarter given there. Chris is at his career peak physically and mentally right now. That is going to be good. Chad has had some good games against Chris but Chris has also shut him down at times. EVEN ON THE Chad/Chris MATCHUP. EDGE to BENGALS on the other side if Palmer gets rolling. Chris Henry will be missed and Ravens fans are glad about the timing of this game for that.

4. Bengals get back the two excellent starting O-tackles. Maybe a little rust over the early part of the season to shake off. Ravens defensive line is monstrous. 2nd year D-tackle Ngata is going to be a terror and just clog everything. Kelly Gregg should make pro-bowl this year. Trevor Price, Suggs.... ouch. Lots of serious pressure. Nothing is missing in the front the seven. Even backups Bannan and Edwards are factors. Best in the league if all stay healthy. EDGE to RAVENS in stopping the run and pressure on the QB.

5. Its not hard to find pretty good linebackers, there are quite a few. But when you lose both a Pollack and Thurman all at pretty much the same time...... its tough. Then you realize you need some talent to shore up your front seven. Sorry for pointing out the obvious.

6. Special Teams: We may see a lot of field goals. No real edge either way, both teams have good goal kickers. It looks like the Bengals are having trouble getting much out their kick return team. This could be made worse by the Ravens signing of Rys Lloyd. The Englishman has been placing kickoffs well into the endzone. Stover will no longer be doing kickoffs. Bengals special teams seem to still be a work in progress. Ravens have a slew of reserve LBs and DBs that are special team freaks. Field position EDGE to RAVENS on special teams, EVEN for field goals.

My final assessment: I would not bet this game and I don't see a blow out. I don't think either team will be scoring a lot of points. But then its football. Good luck and have fun.

[duus]

Excellent points, and I will respond to each when I get more time. For now, however, welcome aboard and I truly appreciate your contribution to the board ... the likes of which I am yet to see from a Steeler fan. Good to have you here.

[TJJackson]

Actually, there was a fellow named Mosca who represented the Steelers well.....probably others as well.

[BengalszoneBilly]

Yes I am a Ravens fan, though I have never hated the Bengals and when the Colts left town, Cincy was one of the teams I pulled for. I think I have too much hatred for the Steelers (tho respect is there) for any more hate. Plus Chad is one of my favorite players, glitz, humor, and talent with class. Anyway, I am not here to scuff up your board, I always read other teams boards before the Ravens play them because the fans always seem to know more than the newspapers. And since I am a football addict I have to have my info..... so I checked out yours.

Very excited that these two teams got the Monday matchup on the first week. Here is my honest take and pretty much un-biased look. My unbiased nature comes from being a football bettor, and being a homer does not make for a long life in that trade. If I was giving selling opinions here is what it would be for this game.

1st the Ravens

1. The Ravens offensive line while having lots of young talent is not ready to play at a high level. Pass protection has been fair at best and very few holes are opening for the RBs. Its going to take a few regular season games before we know if this line can get the Ravens to the playoffs. What makes things worse is that the fullbacks lead blocking or blitz protection from the RB spot is weak at this point. LT Ogden has only practiced 1 week since last year. Status still unknown for the game. Even so, he can't be at full mode, though he looks like he is in good shape and in good spirits. Not only that but this line as it tries to gel is very prone to false starts. New RB Willis McGahee has yet to show much, mostly due to line issues. I still don't know if letting Jamal Lewis go was a good idea. The Ravens should be OK on the line by week 5, but its the single biggest weakness right now. Gaethers and Smith will cause problems. Thornton and Peko are decent. BENGALS EDGE.

2. McNair is fine. He was only sacked 17 times last year (2nd lowest in the league). His age and health are a non-factor going into this game (unless the line gets him killed). He had a good season last year but with another full camp under his belt, he really knows this offense now, and might be in the NFL top 5 passing, if the line holds up. This is best receiever quad (Mason, Clayton, Williams + Heap) in Ravens history. With the Bengals pass defense playing it as loose as they do, slight edge to Ravens getting downfield in the air (but once again the line issues come into play). RAVENS EDGE.

3. Ravens are fairly healthy as NFL teams go. Samari Rolle's anke could be an issue. Not good to be less than %100 against Palmer/Chad/TJ. Other than that (except Ogden ??) no serious injury issues exist, the ususal bumps and bruises. Mcalister always provides a good matchup with Chad, and there is no quarter given there. Chris is at his career peak physically and mentally right now. That is going to be good. Chad has had some good games against Chris but Chris has also shut him down at times. EVEN ON THE Chad/Chris MATCHUP. EDGE to BENGALS on the other side if Palmer gets rolling. Chris Henry will be missed and Ravens fans are glad about the timing of this game for that.

4. Bengals get back the two excellent starting O-tackles. Maybe a little rust over the early part of the season to shake off. Ravens defensive line is monstrous. 2nd year D-tackle Ngata is going to be a terror and just clog everything. Kelly Gregg should make pro-bowl this year. Trevor Price, Suggs.... ouch. Lots of serious pressure. Nothing is missing in the front the seven. Even backups Bannan and Edwards are factors. Best in the league if all stay healthy. EDGE to RAVENS in stopping the run and pressure on the QB.

5. Its not hard to find pretty good linebackers, there are quite a few. But when you lose both a Pollack and Thurman all at pretty much the same time...... its tough. Then you realize you need some talent to shore up your front seven. Sorry for pointing out the obvious.

6. Special Teams: We may see a lot of field goals. No real edge either way, both teams have good goal kickers. It looks like the Bengals are having trouble getting much out their kick return team. This could be made worse by the Ravens signing of Rys Lloyd. The Englishman has been placing kickoffs well into the endzone. Stover will no longer be doing kickoffs. Bengals special teams seem to still be a work in progress. Ravens have a slew of reserve LBs and DBs that are special team freaks. Field position EDGE to RAVENS on special teams, EVEN for field goals.

My final assessment: I would not bet this game and I don't see a blow out. I don't think either team will be scoring a lot of points. But then its football. Good luck and have fun.

Well thought out post. Welcome "moon"!

[Kazkal]

4. Bengals get back the two excellent starting O-tackles. Maybe a little rust over the early part of the season to shake off. Ravens defensive line is monstrous. 2nd year D-tackle Ngata

This is a matchup I look forward too Ngata vs our left guards since Stacey and whitworth are just as big as ngata and very athletic so it should be a good matchup.

PS,Welcome to the board Always enjoyed company of raven fans more then steeler or browns eh.

[BengalByTheBay]

Pretty good run-down. I would add that the Bengals o-line - to the extent Levi and/orr Big Willie play - has not played together yet. I am concerned about timing early in the game especially against (I would agree) one of the best defensive front 7. I would swing your ST's analysis around because I feel that coverage for the Bengals will be fine, but remain concerned about kicking. At this point, I'm not sure Opie will be there and, if he is, I am concerned about that hip injury. Sounds bad for a kicker and possibly prone to re-injury.

I'm happy to hear that you're concerned about your running game -- no offense, but here's hoping that Willis stays untracked until at least week 2.

Finally, we are real banged-up -- particularly at LB. We have to find somebody who can both keep up with and tackle Heap. If we keep him under control, I feel pretty good about the chance to exploit your o-line and get some pressure on McNair.

At any rate, good post.

[The PatternMaster]

McNair is fine. He was only sacked 17 times last year (2nd lowest in the league). His age and health are a non-factor going into this game (unless the line gets him killed). He had a good season last year but with another full camp under his belt, he really knows this offense now, and might be in the NFL top 5 passing, if the line holds up. This is best receiever quad (Mason, Clayton, Williams + Heap) in Ravens history. With the Bengals pass defense playing it as loose as they do, slight edge to Ravens getting downfield in the air (but once again the line issues come into play). RAVENS EDGE.

Did this guy just say that the Ravens passing attack was better than ours?

Either way we will win and win big because the Ravens defense is getting older, Samari Rolle still can't cover TJ or CJ, Ray Lewis is 32 years old and regardless of what he says he will slow down.

The o-line has been shakey for the past few years and Odgen won't play in the opener. If you think sticking that rookie at LT is a good idea then god bless, but I hope you do so Justin can finally have his coming out party on MNF.

McGahee is only as good as his oline and he's not going to break alot of tackles(which is why Buffalo cut his ass!), I think it's going to be a long game for the Ravens because we will get up on them on early and force McNair to pass, which in turn will let us exploit the Ravens weak pass protection.

Bengals 31

Ravens 13

We will go 12-4 and go to AFC Championship game...

I have spoken and so it shall be!!!!!

[BengalByTheBay]

McNair is fine. He was only sacked 17 times last year (2nd lowest in the league). His age and health are a non-factor going into this game (unless the line gets him killed). He had a good season last year but with another full camp under his belt, he really knows this offense now, and might be in the NFL top 5 passing, if the line holds up. This is best receiever quad (Mason, Clayton, Williams + Heap) in Ravens history. With the Bengals pass defense playing it as loose as they do, slight edge to Ravens getting downfield in the air (but once again the line issues come into play). RAVENS EDGE.

Did this guy just say that the Ravens passing attack was better than ours?

I think he was saying that the Ravens passing offense vs. our pass defense is edge to the Ravens.

[kenyon1977]

As a bettor you adjust the line slightly when looking at the teams.

Starting Line is CIN -2.5 points

Home Team +1.5 so Cincy 3.5

Monday is calling for rain, more established run game goes to Cincy, .5

so cincy by 4.0

Defense rank (normally after a few weeks of the season) Ravens 1.0 Cincy by 3.0

Rain Plus Def Rank .5 Cincy by 2.5

Offense rank usually goes to Cincy here but a line that's just getting some players back right now I won't adjust. They haven't replaced Henry at 3rd WR either.

Overall when I place my bet the line wouldn't adjust too much for this game. I'd throw my money down for Cincy to cover the field goal and hope nothing spectacular happens like two Ravens Defensive TD's.

[deadone]

McNair is fine. He was only sacked 17 times last year (2nd lowest in the league). His age and health are a non-factor going into this game (unless the line gets him killed). He had a good season last year but with another full camp under his belt, he really knows this offense now, and might be in the NFL top 5 passing, if the line holds up. This is best receiever quad (Mason, Clayton, Williams + Heap) in Ravens history. With the Bengals pass defense playing it as loose as they do, slight edge to Ravens getting downfield in the air (but once again the line issues come into play). RAVENS EDGE.

Did this guy just say that the Ravens passing attack was better than ours?

Either way we will win and win big because the Ravens defense is getting older, Samari Rolle still can't cover TJ or CJ, Ray Lewis is 32 years old and regardless of what he says he will slow down.

The o-line has been shakey for the past few years and Odgen won't play in the opener. If you think sticking that rookie at LT is a good idea then god bless, but I hope you do so Justin can finally have his coming out party on MNF.

McGahee is only as good as his oline and he's not going to break alot of tackles(which is why Buffalo cut his ass!), I think it's going to be a long game for the Ravens because we will get up on them on early and force McNair to pass, which in turn will let us exploit the Ravens weak pass protection.

Bengals 31

Ravens 13

We will go 12-4 and go to AFC Championship game...

I have spoken and so it shall be!!!!!

Ah no, I did not say the passing game was better. Anyone that knows the NFL, knows that the Palmer/Chad/TJ outfit rank at the top. I simply stated that if the Ravens move the ball, it will likely be through the air and that your pass defense at this point it culpable. Now I did say I was a betting man and if you are willing to give me 18 points on this game (31 -13) then that is a bet I will take all year.

[Jet23]

McNair is fine. He was only sacked 17 times last year (2nd lowest in the league). His age and health are a non-factor going into this game (unless the line gets him killed). He had a good season last year but with another full camp under his belt, he really knows this offense now, and might be in the NFL top 5 passing, if the line holds up. This is best receiever quad (Mason, Clayton, Williams + Heap) in Ravens history. With the Bengals pass defense playing it as loose as they do, slight edge to Ravens getting downfield in the air (but once again the line issues come into play). RAVENS EDGE.

Did this guy just say that the Ravens passing attack was better than ours?

Either way we will win and win big because the Ravens defense is getting older, Samari Rolle still can't cover TJ or CJ, Ray Lewis is 32 years old and regardless of what he says he will slow down.

The o-line has been shakey for the past few years and Odgen won't play in the opener. If you think sticking that rookie at LT is a good idea then god bless, but I hope you do so Justin can finally have his coming out party on MNF.

McGahee is only as good as his oline and he's not going to break alot of tackles(which is why Buffalo cut his ass!), I think it's going to be a long game for the Ravens because we will get up on them on early and force McNair to pass, which in turn will let us exploit the Ravens weak pass protection.

Bengals 31

Ravens 13

We will go 12-4 and go to AFC Championship game...

I have spoken and so it shall be!!!!!

Ah no, I did not say the passing game was better. Anyone that knows the NFL, knows that the Palmer/Chad/TJ outfit rank at the top. I simply stated that if the Ravens move the ball, it will likely be through the air and that your pass defense at this point it culpable. Now I did say I was a betting man and if you are willing to give me 18 points on this game (31 -13) then that is a bet I will take all year.

I agree. I think the Bengals young secondary can be exploited early in the year. Although it was just preseason, they have struggled to cover the quick drop patterns. Waaaaay too much cushion. I personally think this will be an ugly game, maybe 16 - 14. I think the 'Bengals Nation' is waiting for them to show us something. Hopefully, it will on Monday.

[Kazkal]

McNair is fine. He was only sacked 17 times last year (2nd lowest in the league). His age and health are a non-factor going into this game (unless the line gets him killed). He had a good season last year but with another full camp under his belt, he really knows this offense now, and might be in the NFL top 5 passing, if the line holds up. This is best receiever quad (Mason, Clayton, Williams + Heap) in Ravens history. With the Bengals pass defense playing it as loose as they do, slight edge to Ravens getting downfield in the air (but once again the line issues come into play). RAVENS EDGE.

Did this guy just say that the Ravens passing attack was better than ours?

I think he was saying that the Ravens passing offense vs. our pass defense is edge to the Ravens.

ya but in same since it's alrdy been proven our passing atk can tear up raven defense,As for our pass defense matching up against their offense well we did pretty much shut them out 1 game and 14 of 26 pts in the other game were from the defense.How has their offense gotten better since last year? it's only gotten older.

I agree. I think the Bengals young secondary can be exploited early in the year. Although it was just preseason, they have struggled to cover the quick drop patterns. Waaaaay too much cushion. I personally think this will be an ugly game, maybe 16 - 14. I think the 'Bengals Nation' is waiting for them to show us something. Hopefully, it will on Monday.

Jjoe last year as a rookie stuck to their WR's like glue and also dropped 2 passes that could have been taken to the house,a Banged up Oneal is still better then tory and So leaves hall who can hopfully man the nickel position if he start's getting beat they can always leave it up too madieu.

[deadone]

McNair is fine. He was only sacked 17 times last year (2nd lowest in the league). His age and health are a non-factor going into this game (unless the line gets him killed). He had a good season last year but with another full camp under his belt, he really knows this offense now, and might be in the NFL top 5 passing, if the line holds up. This is best receiever quad (Mason, Clayton, Williams + Heap) in Ravens history. With the Bengals pass defense playing it as loose as they do, slight edge to Ravens getting downfield in the air (but once again the line issues come into play). RAVENS EDGE.

Did this guy just say that the Ravens passing attack was better than ours?

I think he was saying that the Ravens passing offense vs. our pass defense is edge to the Ravens.

ya but in same since it's alrdy been proven our passing atk can tear up raven defense,As for our pass defense matching up against their offense well we did pretty much shut them out 1 game and 14 of 26 pts in the other game were from the defense.How has their offense gotten better since last year? it's only gotten older.

I agree. I think the Bengals young secondary can be exploited early in the year. Although it was just preseason, they have struggled to cover the quick drop patterns. Waaaaay too much cushion. I personally think this will be an ugly game, maybe 16 - 14. I think the 'Bengals Nation' is waiting for them to show us something. Hopefully, it will on Monday.

Jjoe last year as a rookie stuck to their WR's like glue and also dropped 2 passes that could have been taken to the house,a Banged up Oneal is still better then tory and So leaves hall who can hopfully man the nickel position if he start's getting beat they can always leave it up too madieu.

Jjoe is a nice CB to have. He is young and on his way to being a really, really good one. The whole Ravens 'Older' thing is just media speak. McNair came in last year and finished near the top the last 8 games of the season (except for the clinker against the Colts). Mcnair had to start to learn the offense in July last camp. He is as healthy as he has ever been and has full year in the offense, (again 17 sacks 2nd lowest in the NFL). Still moves well under foot, and yes the arm strength is not what is used to be. There are still 4 starting QBs in the league older than McNair (Green, Farve, Garcia....) Outside of Mason, Clayton is in year 3. Williams in year 2. Heap is at the peak age is in career. The O-line has such youth that it is actually a problem. So forget the whole 'Older' speil. Its just football speak for those who are not paying attention.

[The PatternMaster]

McNair is fine. He was only sacked 17 times last year (2nd lowest in the league). His age and health are a non-factor going into this game (unless the line gets him killed). He had a good season last year but with another full camp under his belt, he really knows this offense now, and might be in the NFL top 5 passing, if the line holds up. This is best receiever quad (Mason, Clayton, Williams + Heap) in Ravens history. With the Bengals pass defense playing it as loose as they do, slight edge to Ravens getting downfield in the air (but once again the line issues come into play). RAVENS EDGE.

Did this guy just say that the Ravens passing attack was better than ours?

Either way we will win and win big because the Ravens defense is getting older, Samari Rolle still can't cover TJ or CJ, Ray Lewis is 32 years old and regardless of what he says he will slow down.

The o-line has been shakey for the past few years and Odgen won't play in the opener. If you think sticking that rookie at LT is a good idea then god bless, but I hope you do so Justin can finally have his coming out party on MNF.

McGahee is only as good as his oline and he's not going to break alot of tackles(which is why Buffalo cut his ass!), I think it's going to be a long game for the Ravens because we will get up on them on early and force McNair to pass, which in turn will let us exploit the Ravens weak pass protection.

Bengals 31

Ravens 13

We will go 12-4 and go to AFC Championship game...

I have spoken and so it shall be!!!!!

Ah no, I did not say the passing game was better. Anyone that knows the NFL, knows that the Palmer/Chad/TJ outfit rank at the top. I simply stated that if the Ravens move the ball, it will likely be through the air and that your pass defense at this point it culpable. Now I did say I was a betting man and if you are willing to give me 18 points on this game (31 -13) then that is a bet I will take all year.

I bet you would..I bet you would...HOWEVER, I'm not crazy so I don't bet on the NFL a sport in which on any given Sunday Mike Carey can pull a whistle out his ass and totally screw you.

I still think we will win big.

[kingwilly]

As a bettor you adjust the line slightly when looking at the teams.

Starting Line is CIN -2.5 points

Home Team +1.5 so Cincy 3.5

Monday is calling for rain, more established run game goes to Cincy, .5

so cincy by 4.0

Defense rank (normally after a few weeks of the season) Ravens 1.0 Cincy by 3.0

Rain Plus Def Rank .5 Cincy by 2.5

Offense rank usually goes to Cincy here but a line that's just getting some players back right now I won't adjust. They haven't replaced Henry at 3rd WR either.

Overall when I place my bet the line wouldn't adjust too much for this game. I'd throw my money down for Cincy to cover the field goal and hope nothing spectacular happens like two Ravens Defensive TD's.

Who taught you how they set lines? this is a mess....

First, home team gets 3...

Next, for this case it is the first game when the oddsmakers have little to go on except last years record...BAL gets .5...thus the line is Bengals -2.5.

This could also be read as...on a neutral field, the Ravens -.5, or at home the Raven -3.5.

[Kazkal]

rm strength is not what is used to be. There are still 4 starting QBs in the league older than McNair (Green, Farve, Garcia....) Outside of Mason, Clayton is in year 3. Williams in year 2. Heap is at the peak age is in career. The O-line has such youth that it is actually a problem. So forget the whole 'Older' speil. Its just football speak for those who are not paying attention.

Aye most of players aren't that old but when I said players just got older I just ment that was only difference between this years ravens offense and last(passing wise run game should be much upgraded when line starts to click with willis).All same I think it will be a great game and may the best team win

[Jet23]

As a bettor you adjust the line slightly when looking at the teams.

Starting Line is CIN -2.5 points

Home Team +1.5 so Cincy 3.5

Monday is calling for rain, more established run game goes to Cincy, .5

so cincy by 4.0

Defense rank (normally after a few weeks of the season) Ravens 1.0 Cincy by 3.0

Rain Plus Def Rank .5 Cincy by 2.5

Offense rank usually goes to Cincy here but a line that's just getting some players back right now I won't adjust. They haven't replaced Henry at 3rd WR either.

Overall when I place my bet the line wouldn't adjust too much for this game. I'd throw my money down for Cincy to cover the field goal and hope nothing spectacular happens like two Ravens Defensive TD's.

Who taught you how they set lines? this is a mess....

First, home team gets 3...

Next, for this case it is the first game when the oddsmakers have little to go on except last years record...BAL gets .5...thus the line is Bengals -2.5.

This could also be read as...on a neutral field, the Ravens -.5, or at home the Raven -3.5.

Thank you! I now have a flipping headache after reading that.

[kenyon1977]

As a bettor you adjust the line slightly when looking at the teams.

Starting Line is CIN -2.5 points

Home Team +1.5 so Cincy 3.5

Monday is calling for rain, more established run game goes to Cincy, .5

so cincy by 4.0

Defense rank (normally after a few weeks of the season) Ravens 1.0 Cincy by 3.0

Rain Plus Def Rank .5 Cincy by 2.5

Offense rank usually goes to Cincy here but a line that's just getting some players back right now I won't adjust. They haven't replaced Henry at 3rd WR either.

Overall when I place my bet the line wouldn't adjust too much for this game. I'd throw my money down for Cincy to cover the field goal and hope nothing spectacular happens like two Ravens Defensive TD's.

Who taught you how they set lines? this is a mess....

First, home team gets 3...

Next, for this case it is the first game when the oddsmakers have little to go on except last years record...BAL gets .5...thus the line is Bengals -2.5.

This could also be read as...on a neutral field, the Ravens -.5, or at home the Raven -3.5.

Thank you! I now have a flipping headache after reading that.

Yeah whatever. I understand it and I say the Bengals cover the spread by a field goal, Damn. Not that hard.

Put your money were your mouth is. That's what I do every year.

[ArmyBengal]

Welcome Moon, always nice to have an informed fan from the opposition come and make an intelligent post. Here's to hoping for a good, injury free game !!! Welcome !!!

WHODEY !!!

[Jet23]

As a bettor you adjust the line slightly when looking at the teams.

Starting Line is CIN -2.5 points

Home Team +1.5 so Cincy 3.5

Monday is calling for rain, more established run game goes to Cincy, .5

so cincy by 4.0

Defense rank (normally after a few weeks of the season) Ravens 1.0 Cincy by 3.0

Rain Plus Def Rank .5 Cincy by 2.5

Offense rank usually goes to Cincy here but a line that's just getting some players back right now I won't adjust. They haven't replaced Henry at 3rd WR either.

Overall when I place my bet the line wouldn't adjust too much for this game. I'd throw my money down for Cincy to cover the field goal and hope nothing spectacular happens like two Ravens Defensive TD's.

Who taught you how they set lines? this is a mess....

First, home team gets 3...

Next, for this case it is the first game when the oddsmakers have little to go on except last years record...BAL gets .5...thus the line is Bengals -2.5.

This could also be read as...on a neutral field, the Ravens -.5, or at home the Raven -3.5.

Thank you! I now have a flipping headache after reading that.

Yeah whatever. I understand it and I say the Bengals cover the spread by a field goal, Damn. Not that hard.

Put your money were your mouth is. That's what I do every year.

I bet you wouldn't have any problem finding a Casino to comp you a room...

[agreen_112]

Billy, give moon some zone dollars... Moon I got a million zone $'s on the Bengals, I'll give ya 10 pts... Bengals win by 11!

**edit**

Hey, what happened to all my money?

[BENGALTHEM]

The Bengals are going to crush the Ravens at home on Monday night. As a whole, I think this game is a mismatch across the board. The Bengals will not loose at home to the Ravens week 1. Raven fans,......go ahead and chalk up the L.

[duus]

Mike Ditka, on the Pittsburgh a.m. sports talk radio show, ended his segment by stating that the Ravens should not be the underdog in this game, and that they will win this game outright.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

Mike Ditka, on the Pittsburgh a.m. sports talk radio show, ended his segment by stating that the Ravens should not be the underdog in this game, and that they will win this game outright.

I don't have a problem with that - they were 13-3 last year and we were 8-8. Need to prove it on the field, which I expect will happen, but I don't expect to necessarily be favored.

We're giving up 2.5 pts at home, which means that the bookies are considering BAL to be a half-point better after figuring the 3pt home field advantage. Seems more than fair considering the results of last year.

I'll be brutally honest - if I were being a neutral observer, I'd take BAL and the points. But since I'm not, screw em.

[lando griffin]

I love outsiders with unbiased opinions--welcome moon!

I'm a hardcore bengals fan, but some of these opinions about a Bengals blowout seem like opinions from a 12 yr old...how old are you PatternMaster??

Hey Moon, what NFL lines are looking intriguing to you this week? I always like week 1, linemakers only have last year to go off of and it always seems like there's a few that are easy pickins'...on that note let me go look, I haven't seen them yet....