I will be posting at least 2 plays on the game and a few prop bets.
PLAY #1: Ravens/Broncos UNDER 23.5 BIG PLAY
-Wk 15 Bronco v Ravens game was 17-0 at half. It was 10-0 until Flacco's pick 6 late in the half. Only 10 total points were scored offensively.
-Wk 15 was played in 50 degree weather
-Ravens have 5 key defensive players active and healthy that did not play against the Broncos in wk 15: Ray Lewis, Ellerbe, Pollard, McPhee, J Smith.
-Ravens average just over 9 pts a game on the road this season in the 1st half
-SINCE BYE WEEK THE RAVENS HAVE BEEN VERY TOUGH ON DEFENSE IN THE 1st HALF: 1st half defensively for the Ravens: Indy 6 , Cinnci 7 , Giants 7, Broncos 10 defensively , Skins 14 , Steelers 6, Chargers 10, Steelers 7, Raiders 10, Browns 9. (average of 8.5 pts/game)
-At home, Broncos scored an average of 32 points a game this year but averaged only 13 in the 1st half (only 40% of their total points coming in 1st half)
-DENVER'S 1st HALF DEFENSE HAS BEEN EVER BETTER THAN THE RAVENS Average 8.5 points allowed in 1st half this year
-DENVER'S DEFENSE HAS BEEN LIGHTS OUT IN THE 1st HALF LAST 8 GAMES: KC 3, Browns 3, Ravens 0, Raiders 7, Tampa 10, KC 6, Chargers 7, Panthers 7 (Average of 5.4 points/ game)
-Ravens will spread the offense out and run from their blue shoe (1 back, 1 TE, 1 slot, 2 WR) package. The Ravens averaged rushing 2 yrds/carry using the FB package against the Broncos in wk 15. They averaged close to 5 (4.8) when in the spread formation. Ravens plan is to keep Manning cold and off the field. With McKinnie at left tackle, Oher at right tackle and Jah Reed off the field, they will have more success at running than the 1st meeting, thus helping to melt the clock.
-GAME TIME TEMPERATURES IN THE MID TEENS. This not only will hinder the passing game but could severely impact the kicking games, shortening up the FG kicker's range greatly.
-Emotions always run high in playoff games, especially early in the game, advantage for the defense
** Game prediction posted by noon Saturday **

