Tennessee Titans vs. Baltimore Ravens: Betting Odds, Analysis and NFL Pick

After winning five of six games the Baltimore Ravens have lost two straight—both straight up and against the spread. The Tennessee Titans have also lost two games in a row, and six of their last seven. Coming off a 20-point loss at Pittsburgh, the 5-4 Ravens will try to bounce back when they host the 2-6 Titans Sunday afternoon.

Point spread: Ravens opened as 10-point favorites; the total was 43.5 early in the week, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark (line updates and matchup report).

NFL pick, via Odds Shark computer: 26.6-16.2 Ravens

Why the Titans can cover the spread

The Titans have had a tough time since their season-opening victory at Kansas City, but much of their struggles can be attributed to the quarterback position. Tennessee began the season with Jake Locker behind center, but he can't stay healthy. They then went with Charlie Whitehurst. And after Whitehurst struggled, the Titans gave rookie Zach Mettenberger his first start, last time out against Houston.

The former LSU Tiger wasn't terrible, completing 27-of-41 passes for nearly 300 yards and two scores, but he got no help from the running game in a 30-16 loss. But now Mettenberger has one start under his belt and a bye week to work with. With a little help, and some better play on defense, he could keep Tennessee close.

Why the Ravens can cover the spread

The Ravens were rolling until losing by a field goal at Cincinnati a couple of weeks ago, and last week they ran into a steam-roller in Pittsburgh, allowing Ben Roethlisberger to throw six touchdown passes in a 43-23 defeat. Baltimore held the Steelers to just 55 yards rushing but had no answer for Big Ben, at least for one night.

Big picture, the Ravens rank ninth in the league in total offense, 12th in total defense, 10th in rushing and sixth against the run, out-rushing foes by 35 yards per game. And so far this NFL season teams that have out-rushed their opponents are 88-47 SU and 88-43 ATS.

Smart Pick

Baltimore is once again chasing a playoff spot, while Tennessee is once again chasing its tail. Titans coach Ken Whisenhunt may eventually get the Titans headed in the right direction but so far his team hasn't inspired much betting confidence. So the smart money here resides with the Ravens.

Betting Trends

• The total has gone under in seven of Tennessee's last nine games when playing Baltimore
• Baltimore is 1-5 ATS in its last six games when playing Tennessee

Note: All spread and odds data powered by Odds Shark - follow us on Twitter for injury updates and line move updates.