How Can the Philadelphia Eagles Possibly Be Favorites in Week 2?

The Philadelphia Eagles host the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2.

Last week the Eagles offense was dreadful. Michael Vick threw four interceptions and there should have been a fifth one but the Browns defender dropped a pass thrown right at him. There were false starts and holding penalties on the offensive line, which let Vick get hit far too many times. The team was penalized 12 times for 110 yards and there were several additional penalties declined. But somehow the Eagles won the game, because they were playing the Browns and a rookie quarterback.

On the other hand, the Baltimore Ravens easily defeated the Bengals, who made the playoffs last season. Both the Ravens offense and defense were clicking in the 44-13 win. The defense had four sacks and an interception for a touchdown. Joe Flacco completed 21 of 29 passes for 299 yards and a touchdown.

So think about this. The Eagles escaped with a last minute victory against the Browns and the Ravens crushed the Bengals. So who would you make the favorite this week? Now don't forget, both DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin are dealing with injuries and the team has only one other experienced wide receiver, Jason Avant, available to play. So you make the Ravens the favorite, maybe by three or four points, right?

Well somehow the odds makers in Las Vegas see it differently. On one, two, three different sites—FootballLocks.com, SportsPool.com and FOX Sports—including five different sources, the Ravens are the underdog. The Eagles are favored by from one to three points. How can that be? What am I missing here?

Today, I wish I lived in Nevada. I sure would like to take the Ravens and the points. Wouldn't you?

Follow Professor Bush on Twitter.