Baltimore Ravens at Atlanta Falcons

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Atlanta Falcons (-1)
Game Total Line: (43.5)
(wagering lines available at 5Dimes)

Baltimore (6-2, 4-3-1 ATS) ground out a 26-10 win over Miami last week, including covering as a 5-point favorite. The win snapped a two-game winless streak against the spread. Ray Rice carried the offense, racking up 180 yards from scrimmage. Joe Flacco also did his part, completing 20 of 27 passes for 266 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. The quarterback has thrown seven touchdowns and no interceptions over the past three games, though he and the line need to do a better job avoiding sacks-Baltimore has allowed nine in its last three contests compared to five over the first five games.

The Ravens defense bounced back from a poor outing against the Bills (34 points allowed) to hold the Dolphins to just 10. Miami managed just 289 total yards while turning the ball over three times. The Ravens don't really have any true weaknesses on defense; they're among the Top-10 teams in points allowed, total defense and passing defense. The club has slipped to 13th in rushing yards per game, though at 104, the team is hardly concerned. Miami's talented rushing attack managed just 73 yards against Baltimore.

Atlanta (6-2, 4-4 ATS) earned a 27-21 victory over Tampa Bay last week, though it failed to cover as a 10-point favorite. The win may have come at a major cost, at least this week-star receiver Roddy White suffered an ankle injury. He returned to the game but had his worst effort of the year (four catches, 49 yards). White says he'll play this week but, with a Thursday night match up, he doesn't have much turnaround time. Expect a heavy does of Michael Turner. The power back racked up 107 yards and two touchdowns against the Buccaneers and appears to have regained his 2008 form.

Without White, Matt Ryan turned to veteran tight end Tony Gonzalez. The future Hall of Famer hauled in eight passes for 72 yards, though losing White would allow Baltimore to creep up with few worries about the deep ball. Speaking of Ryan, he improved to 17-1 at home throughout his career.

Flacco could be poised for a huge game; Atlanta ranks 26th in the NFL in passing yards allowed at 250 per game. Getting more pressure on the quarterback would help. The Falcons are 20th in the NFL with 16 sacks this season.

Baltimore and Atlanta haven't met since 2006, when the Ravens won and covered 24-10 at home. Baltimore has gone under the total in two of its last three games, while the Falcons have gone over in three straight. Sportsbook.com has set Thursday's total at 43.5 points.

Point Spread Pick

Take the OVER 43.5 at 5Dimes.