Navigate

Baltimore Ravens vs Miami Dolphins NFL Sports Betting Guide

by |

This Week 1 AFC matchup features two teams going in very different directions. The Baltimore Ravens have been openly expressing that their offense change the way the game is played, led by mobile quarterback Lamar Miller. The Miami Dolphins have also been open, but are in full #TankForTua mode. With the spread widening quickly, it could make for a difficult game to bet.

Caesars Sportsbook: View our review and access special sports betting offers >>

Ravens vs Dolphins Odds and Info

  • Opening Lines: BAL -4, O/U 37
  • Moneyline: BAL (-300) | MIA (+250)
  • Spread: BAL -7 (-120) | MIA +7 (+100)
  • Total: 38.5 — Over: (-110) | Under: (-110)
  • Location: Hard Rock Stadium — Miami, FL
  • Start Time: 12 pm ET
  • Coverage: CBS

Injuries

  • Baltimore Ravens: CB Brandon Carr (Q, Hip)
  • Miami Dolphins: G Danny Isidora (Q, Hamstring), DT John Jenkins (Q, Illness), CB Bobby McCain (Q, Shoulder), LB Andrew Van Ginkel (Q, Foot), DE Trent Harris (Q, Foot)

Check out all of our consensus NFL odds for Week 1 >>

Overview

The Baltimore Ravens finished the 2018 season with a 10-6 record, but finished the regular season winning six-of-seven games. The Ravens will be led by second-year quarterback Lamar Jackson, who everyone is expecting to break the rookie rushing record. The Ravens have said that would revolutionize the game this season, running various options and creative rushing plays with their quarterback and committee in the backfield. They lost playmakers defensively, but are still expected to be a stout defensive unit that can shut down opponents.

The Miami Dolphins finished last season with a 7-9 record, but after a coaching change and a switch at quarterback, the team seems to be going south, for the time being. The players said they would “revolt” if the team traded left tackle Laremy Tunsil, so they went ahead and traded both him and receiver Kenny Stills. This may be the worst offensive line in football and the team simply lacks players that are able to make plays. Expect the Dolphins to be underdogs in all games this season. The only way they will get wins is with a little FitzMagic.

Trends

  • The total has hit the under in 10 of Baltimore’s last 15 games.
  • Baltimore is 8-0 against the spread (ATS) in its last eight games against Miami.
  • Miami is 6-2 ATS in its last eight home games.
  • The total has hit the under in six of Miami’s last nine games against an AFC opponent.
  • Last Meeting: October 26, 2017 — The Ravens defeated the Dolphins, 40-0, at M&T Bank Stadium.

Prop Bets

To Score First and Win: Baltimore Ravens (-108) — There isn’t much doubt which team is going to win. The Ravens are more talented, more physical, more experienced and better coached. It seems to be a pretty good bet that Baltimore scores first, especially if they start with the ball. Even knowing that the offense want to run the ball early and often (ran the ball 48% of the time last season), the Dolphins do not have the personnel to consistently stop it. The odds for this prop bet are a lot better than the moneyline, but you are essentially betting the same thing with this game scenario.

Bottom Line

The Ravens want to change the way the game is played, which likely means the 48% of running offensive plays will be higher, especially if they get up early, which is expected. This means the clock continues to run, the defense catches their breath and the number of possessions in the game shrinks. This means every mistake made by Miami becomes that much more valuable, and it’s a lot easier making mistakes passing the football than running it, especially when your top receiving weapon is Albert Wilson. The Ravens will control the clock and dominate the Dolphins from whistle to whistle.

Pick: Ravens -7

Get up to $100 cash back on your first bet at playMGM >>

Zach Brunner is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Zach, check out his archive and follow him @FantasyFlurry.