Atlanta Falcons vs. Baltimore Ravens Preview (12/24/22): Betting Odds, Prediction, Depth Chart
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Is Lamar Jackson back? The Ravens had been planning to have Jackson re-enter the fold on Christmas Eve against the Falcons, but his status remains up in the air after missed practices early in the week. Whether it’s Jackson or Tyler Huntley under center, Baltimore is desperate for a win to keep pace with the Bengals in the AFC North. Can Desmond Ridder make some progress and give the Ravens a run for their money?
Let’s make predictions, dive into the depth charts, and take a look at the odds ahead of this Christmas Eve matchup in Baltimore.
Atlanta Falcons vs. Baltimore Ravens Odds
The Ravens enter as 7.5-point home favorites, sitting at -340 on the moneyline. The over/under is set at 37.5 points.
The Ravens are solid favorites in this one, but the line being more than a touchdown is interesting considering how many close games both of these teams have been a part of this season. Ridder playing in a frigid M&T Bank Stadium isn’t a promising matchup, but are these odds an overreaction to his struggles in his debut?
Atlanta Falcons vs. Baltimore Ravens Prediction
Just three of the Falcons’ 14 games this season have had a final margin greater than six points. Atlanta is competitive when you least expect it, even if those close games don’t often turn into wins. Even when Ridder had virtually nothing working against the Saints last weekend, the running game was so efficient that the Falcons stayed in it until the end. Look for the Falcons’ offense to remain as run-based as possible in these cold temperatures.
Lamar Jackson’s uncertain status is another reason to avoid the Ravens, though the offense wasn’t exactly moving efficiently when he was healthy. Baltimore’s offense is largely going to resemble what it was against the Browns – plenty of J.K. Dobbins and not much of a passing game in cold conditions. The Ravens should win thanks to the talent gap, but a close, low-scoring game is too likely for Falcons +7.5 not to be the pick.
Betting Trends
The Falcons are 2-6-1 ATS against teams with a winning record this season.
The Ravens are 1-4 ATS against teams with a losing record this season.
The under is 5-0 in the Ravens’ last 5 games. Oddsmakers might’ve adjusted accordingly, as the over/under is only 37.5 points for this game.
Key Injuries
Atlanta Falcons Injuries: TE Kyle Pitts (knee) and RB Caleb Huntley (Achilles) are out for the remainder of the season. CB Casey Hayward (shoulder) remains on IR.
Baltimore Ravens Injuries: QB Lamar Jackson (knee) is questionable after missing two practices early in the week. CB Marcus Peters (calf) and DL Calais Campbell (knee) are also uncertain after missing practice. WR Rashod Bateman (foot) remains out for the season.
Key Matchups
Check out the key matchups and mismatches for Falcons vs. Ravens below.
Tyler Allgeier vs. Ravens Run Defense
Fans are starting to get familiar with Tyler Allgeier’s name. The rookie running back has slowly taken over the Falcons’ backfield, and he rewarded Atlanta with 139 yards and a touchdown on the ground against the Saints. All eyes will be on him in Baltimore, with a run-heavy approach in the cards for Atlanta.
The Ravens are one of three teams allowing under four yards per carry, so success on the ground won’t come easily. Nick Chubb did have a solid day against the unit last weekend, so there’s some hope for Allgeier and Cordarrelle Patterson, who has been pretty solid himself lately. The Falcons won’t be able to stay in this game if their ground game is shut down.
Ravens QB vs. Falcons Pass Defense
We still don’t know who will be under center for the Ravens, but either Jackson or Huntley might have an opportunity to deviate from Baltimore’s typical run-heavy approach. The Falcons are one of four teams allowing at least 7 yards per pass attempt, so the Ravens would be missing out on one of Atlanta’s key areas of weakness if the strategy is to run, run, and run some more.
Atlanta Falcons Depth Chart
QB: Desmond Ridder
RB1: Cordarrelle Patterson
RB2: Tyler Allgeier
RB3: Avery Williams
LWR: Drake London
RWR: Damiere Byrd
SWR: Olamide Zaccheaus
TE1: Parker Hesse
Baltimore Ravens Depth Chart
QB: Lamar Jackson
RB1: J.K. Dobbins
RB2: Gus Edwards
RB3: Kenyan Drake
LWR: Devin Duvernay
RWR: Demarcus Robinson
SWR: James Proche II
TE1: Mark Andrews