Atlanta Falcons vs. Baltimore Ravens 8/17/24 – With the second week of NFL preseason action underway, the Atlanta Falcons and Baltimore Ravens will square off at M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday, August 17, 2024. The two sides are looking to restore their lost glories in the previous matches and improve their status in the preseason power rankings. This fixture is not only a measure of early season form but also a contest of tactical re-adjustments that would provide numerous insights for both lovers of football as well as punters. It is a game that forms part of this week’s NFL no-cost picks, crucial to determine what adjustments teams might make prior to beginning the regular season.
Atlanta Falcons vs. Baltimore Ravens 8/17/24 Game Info |
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| When: | Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 12:00 PM ET |
| Where: | M&T Bank Stadium |
| TV: | – |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Atlanta Falcons (0-1 Preseason) vs. Baltimore Ravens (0-1 Preseason)
The Atlanta Falcons displayed a mix of promise and room for growth. The performance from running back Jase McClellan and wide receiver Chris Blair was commendable in that it demonstrated the offensive capabilities that the team is trying to build on with regards to the rushing and receiving corps. In addition, if Atlanta can stabilize its overall performance, McClellan’s ability to navigate tight spaces and Blair’s aptitude for gaining significant chunks of yards both indicate how dangerous the team could be. As the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers matchup looms, such dynamic offensive play becomes crucial in setting the tone for the regular season.
The Baltimore Ravens are also looking at their squad from another perspective. Running back Owen Wright and wide receiver Dayton Wade gave an indication of what the Ravens’ offensive plan might look like. The fact that Wright averaged 4.7 yards per carry suggests that given more opportunities he could turn into a key figure for Baltimore’s running attack. On the other hand, Wade’s modest showing revealed his potential as a dependable target in the air. As they prepare for this matchup, the Ravens will need to enhance their offensive output, particularly with the upcoming Commanders – Dolphins game serving as a benchmark for competitive play this preseason.
Michael Penix Jr. QB vs. Josh Johnson QB
For Falcons, Michael Penix Jr. showed a lack of composure although he had a rocky start in the preseason opener. He is one of the quarterbacks who can best handle pressure situations without turning the ball over and this was shown by his completion percentage. However, there is a lack of productivity in terms of offensive output that should be addressed. The quarterback’s greatest assets are: an arm that can throw bombs, and legs that can exploit defensive weaknesses.
However, Josh Johnson did not show enough accuracy as he completed only 33.3% of his passes for Baltimore. The value of experience cannot be overemphasized but it was evident with regards to certain areas in the pre-season game. For Baltimore to have a firm ground on their QB job they will need Johnson’s game management skills and decision making processes at best.
As these two quarterbacks clash, the key to victory will lie in their ability to adapt and capitalize on each other’s weaknesses. Penix’s youthful energy and Johnson’s veteran savvy will make for an intriguing quarterback battle, with each looking to assert dominance early in the game.
NFL Odds/Point Spread: Atlanta Falcons -1.5 -115, Total Odds: 35.5
The betting odds slightly favor the Atlanta Falcons, reflecting their potential to edge out a close victory over the Ravens. The point spread indicates a competitive game, with a low total suggesting that defenses might dominate. Bettors should consider these factors when making their picks, as the preseason can often be unpredictable.
Atlanta Falcons Betting Trends
The Falcons have struggled against the spread, going 1-5 in their last six games, which raises concerns about their ability to cover even a modest spread. However, their recent performance suggests a team on the cusp of turning things around, particularly if they can enhance their offensive execution.
Baltimore Ravens Betting Trends
Conversely, the Ravens have a strong record at home and have dominated their recent matchups with the Falcons, especially in Baltimore. Their 8-1 record in the last nine home games against Atlanta is indicative of their comfort and strategic advantage at M&T Bank Stadium.
Atlanta Falcons vs. Baltimore Ravens 8/17/24 Betting Picks
The probable outcome in this game based on analysis and current trends is that the Ravens will win because they are at home and also have a historical advantage over the Falcons. The Falcons, though favored by a small point spread, are weak in several areas that Baltimore can exploit particularly given that it is preseason where depth charts and experimentation play important roles.
For those inclined towards betting, looking at the Ravens money line might make sense since they are tough at home and the Falcon’s struggles ATS. To that effect, putting one’s stake under total points could also be a wise bet as both teams have had low scoring games recently. One of our premium experts picks indicates a low scoring encounter with capacity for finishing 17-14 in favor of Baltimore.