Ravens Vs. Raiders 2015 NFL Predictions, Week 2 Odds And Derek Carr Injury Update
By Abraham Gutierrez
Looking for their first victory of the 2015 NFL season, (0-1) Baltimore Ravens visit the East Bay for a Week 2 showdown with the winless (0-1) Oakland Raiders. If NFL oddsmakers and pro-football predictions for this game are correct, Raider Nation is destined for yet another dreadful trip to the Coliseum on Sunday.
As of Thursday morning, NFL betting odds have the Raiders (+7) as home dogs by a touchdown and a point-after versus the visiting Ravens (-7). The OVER/UNDER is set at a combined total of 43 points, and SU lines for this AFC battle look like this: Baltimore (-280) vs. Oakland (+230).
Jack Del Rio's Coaching Abilities Tested Right Out Of The Gate
Del Rio's debut in Oakland didn't exactly play out the way he envisioned coming off the 2015 NFL preseason. Not only did his team fail to show up for the season/home opener, but losing starting quarterback Derek Carr – along with safeties Charles Woodson and Nate Allen – due to injury certainly aggravated the situation.
Raider Nation held its collective breath when Carr exited last week's game against Cincinnati – after hurting his (right) throwing hand – during the second quarter and did not return. The good news is that everyone can exhale, as indications are the sophomore sensation will make a speedy recovery after an MRI revealed he only suffered a bruised thumb.
"[Carr] was up here in the office this morning showing me he could squeeze a ball," Del Rio told reporters on Monday. "It was good news. We're all relieved."
Since then, the Raiders have decided to pass-up on re-signing free agent quarterback, Christian Ponder, who they released during the 2015 NFL preseason. In fact, sources indicate that depending on the swelling, there's a possibility Carr might see some playing time Sunday against Baltimore.
If so, how does Carr's ability to suit up really affect the way NFL Week 2 oddsmakers predict this game will play out? For what it's worth, it seems that the betting population has already made up its mind as far as which club is best equipped to cover the aforementioned spread.
Ravens vs. Raiders 2015 ATS Betting Consensus
The way these teams match up, it should come as no surprise that the Ravens have the backing of the betting public in this one. Having said that, is it a bit excessive that almost 80 percent of the action favors John Harbaugh's club winning by at least 8 points?
That's exactly what the general consensus indicates, as only 22 percent of bettors like Oakland's chances with a modest +7-point cushion. Furthermore, the following ATS trends also suggest things could get a little tricky for those betting against the spread.
Oakland Raiders ATS Trends
For starters, Oakland has shown the ability to bounce back (against the spread) following one-sided beatings. Raiders are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight-up loss, after scoring less than 15 points, and when suffering double-digit defeats at home. Also worth noting is their 5-2 ATS record when the defense has allowed more than 30 points in their previous seven game.
2015 NFL Predictions Week 2: Oakland Raiders +7
Abe Gutierrez's passion led him to ditch law school journey in order to launch his own publishing company. His expertise make him a valued addition to Examiner.com, AXS.com and the CBS-Sports family. Some of his work can be found on CBS-Miami (Dolphins), CBS-LosAngeles (Chargers) and CBS-TampaBay (Buccaneers), AXS.com, Examiner.com. and other online publications.
