Monday Night Football Odds – AFC “A Team” and “B Team” Collide

With the Indianapolis Colts having already won this week, the Monday Night Football Betting Odds are stacked against the Houston Texans. Now they have to face a very good Baltimore team on Monday night.

The Ravens are an excellent team that got knocked down a notch in Week 13. They will be motivated for a better performance in their second straight nationally televised game on Monday night.

BALTIMORE RAVENS (8-4) vs. HOUSTON TEXANS (5-7)

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Monday, December 13, 8:30 PM ET

Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas

Broadcast: ESPN

Monday Night Football Betting Odds:

Baltimore: -3 (+100)

Houston: +3 (-230)

Moneyline: Baltimore -150: Houston +130

Total: 46 points

The Baltimore Ravens have been one of the best teams in the AFC this season but Monday Night Football Odds are that a loss would all but doom their chances of catching the Pittsburgh Steelers in the always tough AFC North. They are 3-3 on the road, all three losses coming by less than five points.

Baltimore’s offense has been middle of the pack all season long. They have the 15th ranked passing game (233.75 yards per game) and have been led by a future Pro Bowl quarterback Joe Flacco who has passed for 2988 yards, 19 touchdowns and 8 interceptions.

Anquan Boldin, Derrick Mason and TJ Houshmanzadeh are arguably the scariest trio in the NFL right now. This group will have success against Houston’s 31st ranked passing defense – the only player that will not be able to enjoy the success is Todd Heap who will likely sit after injuring his hamstring against Pittsburgh.

The Baltimore running game has been a bit of a disappointment. Ray Rice and Willis McGahee have the Ravens 16th ranked with 108.42 yards per game. They might have difficulty on Monday against a good Texans run defense.

The Houston Texans are a Hail Mary pass and a last second touchdown against from being in the thick of the AFC South race. They have lost five of six games since their bye to take them out of realistic playoff contention. Monday Night Football Odds are that they will play the Ravens tough, particularly on home turf.

The Houston offense is Top 10 in most statistical categories. They are the 10th best pass offense (242.50 yards per game) and the 7th best rush offense (130.50 yards per game). They have the best dual threat back in the NFL, Arian Foster who leads the NFL in rushing (1230 yards) and touchdowns (13). He is also a threat to catch the ball averaging over 50 yards receiving in his last four games.

Andre Johnson is a Stud. It doesn’t matter what Ed Reed does, Johnson will get his catches and yards. Monday night will also mark the return of Owen Daniels from injury. He will provide a huge boost to an already good passing game.

Houston’s downfall is their defense – period! They have given up at least 24 points in very game but one this season (a shutout against the brutal Titans).  The Texans can’t stop anyone and if the offense doesn’t put up 30 points, the Texans lose.

Monday Night Football Odds Outlook:

The Baltimore Ravens are 7-3 SU in their last 10 games but are just 2-4-1 ATS in their last seven.

The Houston Texans are 1-5 SU in their last six games and are 2-6 ATS in their last eight. The Texans are just 1-4 ATS in their last five home games.

The Baltimore Ravens will do what every other team in the NFL has done against the Houston defense – score points. It is difficult to imagine that the Texans will be able to put up enough points to win this game against a fired up Baltimore defense.

Ray Lewis loves the big stage and Monday Night Football is the biggest. The Texans may give the Ravens a scare like they did the Eagles last week but the extra three days to prepare will not be enough on Monday night.

Monday Night Football Betting Odds Pick: Baltimore Ravens -3