This is an 8* play on the Baltimore Ravens.

Both teams have issues. We simply feel that Baltmore's defense is the most solid unit on the field of play today and we look for it to be a difference maker once it's all said and done.

Baltimore: The Ravens were 4-0 in the preseason, but played the entire warmup without starting QB Joe Flacco. Flacco though is back for this one, which we think is a good thing. Flacco is out for redemption this year after an "off season." He'll benefit from the additions of RB Danny Woodhead and WR Jeremy Maclin. But as mentioned off the top, we think Baltimore's defense can be a real difference maker today. Last year it ranked seventh overall and ninth in points allowed.

Cincinnati: CB Adam Jones and LB Vontaze Burfict are both suspended for this one. That's a significant loss obviously. The only big addition the team made was LB Kevin Minter. The Bengals would lose LT Andrew Whitworth in free agency, which is clearly significant. QB Andy Dalton was sacked 41 times last year. He has plenty of weapons and Cincinnati should be contending in the division once it's all said and done. One clear weak point was the defense, ranked 17th overall in allowing 350.8 YPG.

The bottom line: We think these teams are even in all phases except defensively. Value swings to the dog, play on BALTIMORE.

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