NFL: OAK Raiders vs BAL Ravens

The Ravens and the Jets are the only two AFC squads still in the playoff hunt that can secure a Wild Card spot without any help from another team. Win and they are in. Looks easy for Baltimore considering that it gets to play a 5-10 Oakland team that already has offseason vacation plans. When will the season end? Charlie Frye is horrible, but he was able to beat the Broncos in Week 15 because Oakland’s rushing attack gashed Denver for 241 yards on the ground. They may have their struggles in the secondary, but the Ravens still thrive against the run. The Raiders can be beaten through the air, but they’re much more vulnerable on the ground. The Raiders have surrendered at least 100 rushing yards to all but three teams they’ve played this year, including 164 to the Browns last week. Must win game for the Ravens If the Ravens want to win this game and qualify for the playoffs, they better not get cute here. Baltimore better give the ball to Ray Rice as many times as possible. Offensive tackle Jared Gaither is almost certain to play this week, after returning from injury. For another team fighting to get into the playoffs, the Baltimore Ravens might also be getting a key defensive player back as they face the (5-10) Oakland Raiders in their series finale. Safety Ed Reed might be making a return for this week after sitting out the previous four games with a hip/groin injury. According to some reports, the former Defensive Player of the Year is expected to suit up and be ready to play out in the Bay Area. Betting prediction These Raiders have proven to be enigmatic and unpredictable, beating Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, and Denver all after losing to a non-playoff squad. If Oakland pulls another rabbit out of its hat, the Black Hole will be dark indeed for the Ravens. Don’t excpect this to happen here. Ravens are just too good and much more motivated then the team that just got humiliated by the Browns.
Our tip: Bet 7 on Ravens to beat the Raiders -10.5 handicap
Odds: 1.95 at