Ravens vs. Falcons: Is This a Potential Super Bowl Preview?

This Thursday night, the NFL returns to Thursday night in a potential Super Bowl preview, when the Atlanta Falcons host the Baltimore Ravens. The latest NFL sports betting odds as posted by BetMania have the Falcons listed as one point favorites heading into this midweek battle.

Both of these teams are off to a great start to the season, and there is good reason to believe that these teams could possibly get a rematch in the Super bowl.

The Ravens sit atop the majority of the NFL power rankings and own first place in the AFC North. Their defense, while older, still has the capability to control opposing offenses. Quarterback Joe Flacco has developed into one of the better young signal callers in the league and is surrounded by weapons on offense, most notably running back Ray Rice. This team is a realistic contender for a Super Bowl championship this year, and although it may seem unlikely, the Falcons are in the same boat.

The Falcons are questionably the best team in the NFC. They are currently leading the NFC South and already have an inspiring win over the division rival New Orleans Saints. They have yet to lose at home and have one of the more explosive offenses in the league.

The Falcons rank fifth in total offense led by young gun-slinger Matt Ryan. Ryan has targets at nearly every skill position and a speedy deep threat in wide receiver Roddy White. Michael Turner is a bruising running back that can break big plays and wear down defenses.

The only glaring weakness for this team is the defense, but they have improved this year and are now rank 10th in scoring defense.

It may seem hard to believe, but these could be the two teams that will be playing in the Super Bowl in 2011.

In the AFC, the Ravens have beaten the Steelers and the Jets, the two front runners for the AFC Championship title, and they went toe to toe with the Patriots. There is no reason to believe they will not be the last team standing from the AFC.

The Falcons will have to compete with the beasts of the east in the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles, but if they are able to secure home field advantage they could run the table and play for the NFC Championship and the right to play for a Super Bowl ring.

The NFL selected a great game to start the Thursday night schedule off with a bang!

Matt Regaw is a B/R Featured Columnist and the founder of BookieBlitz.com,your one-stop shop for sports articles, previews and predictions. Feel free to contact Matt at [e-mail]