Online sports betting handicappers will have to keep a close eye on the NFL injury report for this week as Baltimore running back Ray Rice may miss Sunday’s game at Pittsburgh.
A Potentially Significant Loss
Rice suffered a bruised knee last week in Baltimore’s close home win over the Cleveland Browns. He left the game with 10 minutes remaining in the 4th quarter after catching a short pass that gained 4 yards. Rice is the feature back of the Ravens and considered by handicappers at SBG to be an essential element in the Ravens ability to win their huge AFC North Division showdown at Pittsburgh on Sunday. Rice was one of only two running backs in the NFL last year that exceeded over 2000 yards from scrimmage and he leads Baltimore in rushing this year with 210 yards on 80 carries.
Needed to Cover for Flacco
Rice’s value goes far beyond offshore sports betting numbers, however, as he is the best possible cover for struggling Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco who is off to the worst start of his career. With Flacco struggling, Rice’s presence is even more valuable as he keeps defenses honest.
Baltimore Needs All Weapons vs. Steel Curtain
The thought of the Ravens going into Pittsburgh against the undefeated Steelers without Rice is not a pleasant one. With Flacco not clicking and Rice out the Steelers would be able to terrorize the Ravens quarterback and not have to play an honest defense that honors the run. This would put even more pressure on Flacco in the worst and most hostile possible environment.
Vague Info
Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh has been vague about Rice’s status for Sunday’s game and won’t even reveal which knee it is that bothers Rice. Harbaugh is smart to give out as little information as possible as Rice will already be a key target for abuse and punishment from the Steelers defense if he is able to play in the online sports betting showdown.
Makes Steel Melt
Rice succeeded against the Steel Curtain last year as he had 88 yards rushing and 67 yards receiving in Baltimore’s 20-17 overtime home win over the Steelers. In last year’s offshore sports betting matchup at Pittsburgh Rice ran for 141 yards in a tough 23-20 loss.