NFL betting: Key Ravens injuries move Week 1 line
The hits keep coming for the Baltimore Ravens. Reports out of Thursday's practice say they've lost running back Gus Edwards and cornerback Marcus Peters to injury. Both are feared to have torn ACLs on back-to-back plays in practice.
Over the past two weeks, the Ravens have lost their top three running backs to season-ending injuries. Peters is a significant loss to the defense as he had four interceptions and four forced fumbles last season.
Week 1 line on the move
The injury news for Baltimore has prompted oddsmakers to adjust the lines for Week 1. On Thursday morning, the Ravens were 4.5-point favorites and -200 on the moneyline for their Monday night game in Las Vegas. Currently at BetMGM, the Ravens are down to just 4-point favorites. The moneyline has also been shaved to -190.
While it's not a significant line movement, every half point matters in the world of NFL betting. Ty'Son Williams and Trenton Cannon are now the only running backs on the Ravens roster. Le'Veon Bell was signed to the practice squad.
Market still high on Baltimore overall
Despite the rash of injuries, the betting market remains high on the Ravens' overall outlook for 2021.
Baltimore remains the favorite to win the AFC North at +115. The Cleveland Browns are next in line at +150. Baltimore remains at +1400 to win the Super Bowl. These are the fifth-best odds of any team.
Neither of those markets have been adjusted following the Edwards and Peters injury news.
Running back reinforcements coming?
Ty'Son Williams is now the No. 1 running back in Baltimore. He's 25 years old and never rushed the ball in the NFL. Behind Williams on the roster is Trenton Cannon, a 2018 sixth-round pick of the New York Jets who has compiled 146 rushing yards over three seasons.
The Ravens have also signed Le'Veon Bell and Devonta Freeman to their practice squad. They will eventually be promoted to the active roster, but it's uncertain when exactly that will be.
Latavius Murray was recently released by the New Orleans Saints. He has expressed a desire to play in Baltimore, even before the injury to Edwards. Murray currently sits at 150-to-1 to lead the NFL in rushing if you want to take a very speculative dart throw.
