NFL bad line of the week: Are Ravens in trouble vs. Jaguars?
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We were on the money in Week 14 with our bad line pick, as the Buccaneers (-6.5) didn't struggle while covering in a 12-point victory over the Vikings.
We're now on a three-game win streak, and every team is in action come Week 15.
Here are the lines, and the one that has us scratching our heads.
| Matchup | Spread |
|---|---|
| Chargers @ Raiders | LV -3 |
| Bills @ Broncos | BUF -6 |
| Panthers @ Packers | GB -8.5 |
| Bears @ Vikings | MIN -3 |
| Buccaneers @ Falcons | TB -5.5 |
| Jaguars @ Ravens | BAL -13 |
| Patriots @ Dolphins | MIA -2.5 |
| Lions @ Titans | TEN -8.5 |
| Texans @ Colts | IND -7 |
| 49ers @ Cowboys | SF -2.5 |
| Seahawks @ WFT | SEA -5 |
| Eagles @ Cardinals | PHI -7 |
| Jets @ Rams | LAR -17 |
| Chiefs @ Saints | KC -3.5 |
| Browns @ Giants | CLE -5 |
| Steelers @ Bengals | PIT -13 |
The odds are stacked against the Jaguars. They're 1-12, it's Week 15, they're a warm-weather team playing in the cold up against one of the league's contenders, and Jacksonville is likely looking ahead to the draft.
But while this game looks like a huge mismatch, the market is too high on the Ravens.
The franchise is back on the upswing following a win over the Cowboys, but did we forget the Ravens dropped three straight prior to that? Or that they're just 2-6 against the spread this season when laying chalk?
The Ravens put on an offensive clinic last season, finishing with the league's top DVOA unit. Now Baltimore is ranked No. 21 - three spots below the Jaguars - despite fielding most of its primary weapons.
Motivation will be a huge concern for the Ravens. They're coming off back-to-back prime-time contests, and head coach John Harbaugh is never a good bet after a Monday Night Football game, covering during just five of 17 career tries.
Harbaugh, who coached his team to a 14-2 record in 2019, also somehow can't figure out Jacksonville. He's 0-5 ATS and 2-3 straight up over five previous meetings.
Baltimore should receive some early support in the betting markets. These two teams are heading in opposite directions, and it seems like the mismatch of the season.
However, the Ravens have been a letdown as a favorite, and for whatever reason, they struggle in this series.
You'll be able to wait on this number, but anything better than +13 is a good bet come Sunday.
(Odds source: theScore Bet)
Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 12 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AJKolodziej.
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