If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Baltimore Ravens
A battle of first place teams is set to go down in Baltimore on Thanksgiving night in the battle of Harbaugh’s as younger brother Jim leads his San Francisco 49ers (9-1, 9-0-1 ATS) up against older brother John’s Baltimore Ravens (7-3, 5-4-1 ATS); kick-off from M&T Bank Stadium is set to go live at 8:20 ET on the NFL Network.
If only Mike Singletary was able to rally the troops like Jim Harbaugh has done throughout the 2011-12 season, he might not be sitting at home watching this game on TV now a member of the Minnesota Vikings coaching staff. With the same talent that was on the roster from last year’s underachieving 6-10 SU team, the Niners have won all but one of their games played to date, and in the process, made a mint for their betting backers by dominating against the closing pointspread. Since that Week 2 loss in OT at home to Dallas, the 49ers have won each of their last eight games played both SU & ATS. The NFC West leaders could possibly snag the NFC’s top overall seed provided Green Bay slips up and they’re able to take advantage of what looks to be an incredibly easy schedule to close out the regular season (4 of 6 vs. NFC West). The Niners have ventured away from Candlestick Park four times to date winning outright as underdogs against Cincinnati, Philadelphia and Detroit, while covering the road chalk at Washington.
Then there’s the AFC North leading Baltimore Ravens who’ve been nothing short of an enigma for NFL bettors all season long. Head Coach John Harbaugh’s squad possesses some impressive wins against the likes of Pittsburgh (twice) as well as New York and Houston. However, every time it has collected one of those big wins, the team has come out severely flat the following week inexplicably losing at Tennessee, Jacksonville, and Seattle. Last week’s home win over Cincinnati was a big one for tiebreaking purposes within the division, so it will be interesting to see the mind frame one of the best teams the AFC has to offer brings with to the field for Turkey Day’s primetime battle. That said; the Ravens are unblemished at home and 3-1-1 ATS with wins over Pittsburgh, New York, Houston, Arizona, and Seattle. They’ve also covered each of their L/3 as a home chalk up to three-points.
These teams haven’t crossed paths on the gridiron since 2007 when Baltimore went into San Francisco and scored the 9-7 win as four-point favorites. This will be the Niners first Thanksgiving Day appearance since 1972. San Francisco is 9-4-2 ATS the L/15 times it was tagged a road underdog, but just 2-6-3 ATS the L/11 times it was dogged on the road up to three points. Baltimore is 10-4-1 ATS the L/15 times it was installed a home chalk up to three points, but just 4-5 SU & 3-6 ATS off its L/9 triumphs over a division rival.
PICK: SAN FRAN / BALTIMORE UNDER
---Start Time 8:20 PM EST---
BALTIMORE RAVENS -3 over San Francisco 49ers, 10 dimes
I'll take this line movement all day. While the public jumps on San Fran, I'll be taking the home team that has clear advantages over the Niners. San Fran hasn't run away with any huge wins on the road this season, and I see Baltimore having the right personnel and playcalling to neutralize this San Fran hot streak. The Ravens always seem to play to the level of their competition. Today, it'll be necessary to come out and do what they do best; stop the run and cause turnovers. They give up well under 100 yards per game rushing, along with only 3.3 yards a tote. This toughness against the run is going to be tough for Jim Harbaugh to deal with, as he loves to pound the rock in an attempt to loosen up the secondary for Alex Smith. I look for Baltimore's opportunistic defense to cause some important turnovers in this one. Their offense should have it a little bit easier due to their tendency to air the ball out instead of relying solely on the run. Wait for the line to get to 3, or make sure you buy the hook, just in case.
DALLAS COWBOYS -7 over Miami Dolphins, 10 dimes
This line seems to good to be true. The Cowboys have played strongly at home over the last three outings, and Romo always hits his stride in the month of November. He's been red hot through the air with 8 TD's and no picks at a 69 percent completion rate over the past three games. Look for Romo to add to his already impressive Thanksgiving resume.
---Start Time 2:00 PM EST---
CHARLESTON COUGARS -2 over Central Florida Knights, 10 dimes
Comment