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Maximize Your Odds of Winning with SportsLine Model and Our Top-Rated Picks!
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Wish I'd jumped on this earlier, but I'll still back Jacksonville without the hook. The Ravens are missing their best run defender and best offensive lineman, making this a dead-even matchup. Baltimore also has a huge division game with Pittsburgh on deck, while the Jags are eager to atone for last week's debacle. The Ravens and Jags have played each of the past three years, Jacksonville covering each. Jacksonville has won in London the past two years, and I won't be surprised if the Jags make it three straight.
The Ravens are drawing a lot of buzz after starting 2-0, but let's hold off on the coronation after beating two teams with major issues. The Ravens O-line is decimated, and their offensive skill players haven't really impressed, just taking what their defense gives them. If the Jaguars can protect the ball -- a big if with Blake Bortles under center, I know -- their run game should dictate this matchup, especially with Ravens DT Brandon Williams out, and put them in a position to win.
The Jaguars have been making an annual trip to London for so long that it’s surprising they have not adopted slight English accents. This is their fifth straight year playing overseas, and the veterans should be accustomed to it. (Straight-up victories the past two seasons is verification.) For the Ravens, the experience is new, and creatures of habit often need time to adjust. Also, they left behind standout OT Marshal Yanda (ankle). Owing to other injuries and the rustiness of QB Joe Flacco, a low-scoring affair is likely.
The Ravens have looked stellar so far and they get a Jacksonville squad that took a step back last week after a strong Week 1 performance. The Ravens’ offense, which is choppy, will have enough success to get the cover in London. The Jags are London's NFL adopted team, kind of, but the home-field edge is minimal. The Ravens are better than 3.5 points to the ratings.