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The odds makers are worried about the Cincinnati Bengals as they continue to move the line up from what had once been a pick.
This one had moved all the way up to Bengals -2 ½ shortly after midnight at Sports Interaction.
There is reason for concern, more than 90 percent of the betting was going the Bengals way.
According to Jamison Hensley of the Baltimore Sun, the Bengals have an advantage when it comes to the Ravens pass offense vs. Bengals pass defense and Bengals pass offense vs. Ravens pass defense.
As for the Bengals pass offense vs. Ravens pass defense, Hensley writes:
This will feature two banged-up units. The Bengals have issues at receiver with Chad Ocho Cinco (torn labrum in shoulder), T.J. Houshmandzadeh (hamstring) and Chris Henry (suspension). The Ravens will be without nickel back Fabian Washington (suspension) and could be missing safety Ed Reed (questionable, neck). Cornerback Chris McAlister is also dealing with a knee injury. Look for the Bengals to try to spread out the defense to take advantage of the Ravens' replacements, nickel back Corey Ivy and free safety Jim Leonhard. Cincinnati quarterback Carson Palmer has a career rating of 92.6 against the Ravens, throwing 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions in eight games.
His prediction, coming from Baltimore we might add:
It's tempting to think the Ravens will win because of the excitement surrounding their new era. But emotions can't negate injuries. The Ravens will have trouble moving the ball with a rookie quarterback and a banged-up running back, and they'll have trouble stopping the Bengals with a depleted secondary. BENGALS, 20-10
