NFL Preseason Betting – Panthers vs Ravens

Are you ready for some football? That’s right NFL junkies, the season is underway, with some exciting NFL Pre-Season Parlay Picks.

Today let’s investigate the first pre-season game for two playoff hopefuls, when the Carolina Panthers visit the new look Baltimore Ravens.

Carolina Panthers @ Baltimore Ravens

Live from MT&T Stadium in Baltimore, MD.

Thursday, August 12 at 8:00 p.m. TV: ESPN

Football Live Lines:

Carolina: +3.5
Baltimore: -3.5

Total Points: 34

That’s right, there is excitement in the air in Baltimore, as many see this team as a true Super Bowl contender. Baltimore finished 9-7 last year, and 8-7-1 ATS.

While most talk with the Baltimore Ravens usually starts on defense, many believe the offense finally has the opportunity to be one of the best in the league. That’s because third year quarterback Joe Flacco has a big-time target to throw to, in recently acquired wide receiver Anquan Boldin. Boldin comes over from Arizona, where he was a big part of back-to-back playoff teams, including last year, where he had 84 receptions for 1,024 yards. Baltimore also has a potent running game, thanks to Ray Rice, who rushed for 1,339 yards in 2009.

But of course, no conversation about Baltimore would be complete without mentioning this defense. Yes, safety Ed Reed will be out to open the season, but there is still plenty of talent returning off a unit that finished third in the NFL in both scoring defense (16.3 points per game) and total defense (300.5 yards per game). Veteran linebacker Ray Lewis once again led this team with 95 solo tackles in 2009.

Lewis and this defense will be going up against a very interesting Carolina Panthers offense.

As with any preseason game, we can expect to see a lot of different faces, including at quarterback, where three players will be vying for the starting position. Matt Moore closed out 2009 starting Carolina’s last five games, and finished the season with over 1,000 yards passing. He’ll be challenged by backup Hunter Cantwell, and hot shot rookie Jimmy Clausen, who comes to North Carolina off a prolific junior season at Notre Dame.

Luckily for the quarterbacks, they’ll be flanked by one of the best running games in the league. That’s right, both DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart return to this backfield, with each putting up over 1,100 yards, on nearly identical number of carries last year. Carolina coach John Fox hopes his running game can wear down the opposition’s defense.

So who should you take in Thursday night’s NFL Pre-Season Parlay Picks? Well because each team will only play their starters for a series or two, expect a semi-sloppy, low scoring game. Because of that, take the UNDER of 34 total points.

As for who will win the game? Take Baltimore.

The Ravens enter this pre-season with big-time Super Bowl aspirations, and they won’t take anything for granted Thursday night at home.

Expect them to come out, play hard, and get a victory in the NFL betting odds. Combine that with the UNDER, and you’ve got your first NFL Pre-Season Parlay Pick of 2010.

Make your wager now!

Aaron’s Parlay Pick: Baltimore -3.5 and UNDER 34 Points