Baltimore Ravens 2010 NFL Preview, Schedule, Odds, and Predictions: The past couple of seasons the Baltimore Ravens have been continually improving and becoming a legitimate force to win the AFC. They have a stingy defense, a power running game, a young quarterback with tremendous potential, and now Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsom added a receiving core to balance the attack. They were held to a field goal in a 20-3 loss to Indianapolis in the playoffs but don’t look to be shut down so easy this year. Vegas odds makers have the Baltimore Ravens as +1000 odds to win the 2011 Super Bowl.
Head football coach John Harbaugh has a 23-14 record with the Ravens as he heads into his third season and looks to continue the winning ways. Defensive coordinator Greg Mattison has kept the Ravens tradition of stopping the run and will be more aggressive this year. Cam Cameron was a terrible head coach with Miami, but as an offensive coordinator that loves to run the ball he is a good fit for Baltimore. With the added weapons this year the passing game should add a balance to a solid running game. The odds makers at SBG Global have the Baltimore Ravens listed at +500 odds to win the 2010 AFC Championship.
Offensively the Ravens are in the best shape ever as Joe Flacco has emerged as a potential franchise quarterback and has already won three of five career playoff starts in his first two seasons as a professional. Running back Ray Rice was second in the NFL in all-purpose yards with 2,041 yards from scrimmage (rushed for 1,339 yards and caught 78 passes for another 702 yards) earning a pro bowl berth. The Ravens retained possession receiver Derrick Mason and signed star Anquan Boldin along with deep threat Donté Stallworth. As if that was not enough they also drafted tight ends Ed Dickson, Dennis Pitta and wide receiver David Reed. The Vegas odds makers have the Baltimore Ravens listed at -200 NFL odds to win the 2010 AFC North.
Defensively the team rallies around future hall of famer Ray Lewis who remains an intimidating force even as he is getting older. A potential problem for this unit is the availability of former NFL Defensive Player of the Year Ed Reed who is a pure center fielder who sets up quarterbacks for mistakes. The team is much better when he is in the lineup. The odds makers at Bodog have the Baltimore Ravens middle number listed at 10 wins for the 2010 NFL regular season.
The Ravens have made all the right moves to continue to improve and should be a dominating force in the AFC. I have the Ravens going 10-6 for my 2010 NFL Football Picks and narrowly losing the AFC North to the Pittsburgh Steelers but making a strong playoff push from the wildcard spot.
2010 Baltimore Ravens Preseason Schedule
1 Thu, Aug 12 vs Carolina 8:00 PM ESPN
2 Sat, Aug 21 @ Washington 7:00 PM
3 Sat, Aug 28 vs New York 7:30 PM
4 Thu, Sep 2 @ St. Louis 8:00 PM
2010 Baltimore Ravens Regular Season Schedule
1 Mon, Sep 13 @ New York 7:00 PM ESPN
2 Sun, Sep 19 @ Cincinnati 1:00 PM CBS
3 Sun, Sep 26 vs Cleveland 1:00 PM CBS
4 Sun, Oct 3 @ Pittsburgh 1:00 PM CBS
5 Sun, Oct 10 vs Denver 1:00 PM CBS
6 Sun, Oct 17 @ New England 1:00 PM CBS
7 Sun, Oct 24 vs Buffalo 1:00 PM CBS
8 BYE WEEK
9 Sun, Nov 7 vs Miami 1:00 PM CBS
10 Thu, Nov 11 @ Atlanta 8:20 PM NFL
11 Sun, Nov 21 @ Carolina 1:00 PM CBS
12 Sun, Nov 28 vs Tampa Bay 1:00 PM FOX
13 Sun, Dec 5 vs Pittsburgh 8:20 PM NBC
14 Mon, Dec 13 @ Houston 8:30 PM ESPN
15 Sun, Dec 19 vs New Orleans 1:00 PM FOX
16 Sun, Dec 26 @ Cleveland 1:00 PM CBS
17 Sun, Jan 2 vs Cincinnati 1:00 PM CBS