October 9, 2006 (Denver, CO) ? If you are a fan of the Baltimore Ravens and like , then the world's largest and casino is the place to be shopping today. Baltimore heads to the Rocky Mountain High state to tangle with the Denver Broncos and the linemakers are not impressed with the Ravens 4-0 record.



Wager right now and you'll be handed a + 5 point margin before a toe is even put to a football at Invesco Field. Baltimore has hit the road twice this year and have allowed a grand total of 14 points, as they shutout Tampa Bay 27-0 and beat the Brownies 15-14 in Cleveland. Last weekend they roared back to stun the Chargers, who looked very impressive in the second half last night, as they walloped Big Ben and his Steeler teammates.

Denver is a bit of an enigma this season as they looked uninspired in losing to the Rams in the first game of the season and then had to rally to beat the Chiefs 9-6 in their home debut. Two weeks ago they headed to the Northeast for a date with the heavily favored Patriots and left Foxboro with a convincing win.

In the past two games, quarterback Steve McNair has struggled mightily the first three quarters before rallying the Ravens late. It won't get any easier because his top two targets -- receiver Derrick Mason and tight end Todd Heap -- could have trouble getting open against Denver. Broncos? cornerback Champ Bailey, who had two passes thrown his way against New England in Week 3, will cover Mason. Heap, who admittedly is not at full strength with a thigh injury, likely, has to beat one of Denver's athletic linebackers. The Broncos have not been very aggressive this season, recording four sacks and no interceptions.

The Ravens have the NFL's top-ranked run defense, but the Broncos made a point to say they're not backing down despite their poor track record. During their past five meetings, the Ravens limited Denver's running game to a total of 400 yards, averaging a mere 3.3 yards per carry. Denver's featured back is Tatum Bell, who is averaging 5.1 yards a carry. He is an explosive back who shows excellent speed hitting and accelerating through the hole. The Ravens? front seven cracked at times last week against San Diego. The Ravens won't be able to stack the box against Denver like they have against other teams.

The Ravens, who have 17 sacks in four games, will try to put some heat on Jake Plummer although they failed to pressure him in the last meeting. Ravens cornerback Chris McAlister must be at the top of his game against receiver Javon Walker, who is averaging 22.7 yards a catch. The Ravens? other cornerback is Samari Rolle, who has given up a touchdown in the past two games, will likely line up against Rod Smith.

Denver has the worst punt and kickoff return teams in the NFL and rank in the bottom third in coverage teams. Ravens return specialist B.J. Sams, who will play a week after being charged with driving under the influence, ranks second in the league in kickoff returns (30.9-yard average) and ninth in punt returns (10.8). Broncos kicker Jason Elam has one of the strongest legs in the league, and the Ravens? Matt Stover is among the most accurate.

The Broncos are one of the best teams at home, winning 11 straight regular-season games at Invesco Field. The Ravens have won two games in a row on the road, but they looked shaky in Cleveland in Week 2. They've also lost their last three road games in prime time.

Make sure you visit the best on the planet at for all the up to the minute line changes on both the spread totals and the over/under which presently sits at 33!

Bob Acton