The 2012 Baltimore Ravens enter the season as the most consistent team in the NFL with four straight playoff appearances but they have not captured a Lombardi Trophy since the year 2000. The window is closing on Baltimore stalwarts Ray Lewis and Ed Reed and the time is now for quarterback Joe Flacco to prove he is an elite player. The Ravens came up 3-points short against the Patriots in the AFC title game last year and are on the brink of breaking the bubble. Despite losing three starters to free agency the Ravens should be right in the mix come Lombardi Trophy time with Flacco entering his prime. Below is a closer look at the Ravens from our NFL predictions experts. The 2012 Baltimore Ravens Super Bowl Odds have Baltimore at +800 moneyline ($1000 to win $8000).

NFL Picks Analysis: Quarterback Joe Flacco could be poised for a breakout year in an offense spearheaded by running back Ray Rice. Flacco has one of the strongest arms in the NFL and has never missed a game. Flacco owns five playoff wins but the one knock on him is that he lacks elite level accuracy. Flacco is surrounded by high-level skill position talent with dangerous all-purpose back Ray Rice and a strong wideout corps led by Anquan Boldin. Rice is a special talent that led the league in rushing and receiving yards and he can stretch defenses like few backs can. The O-line is the one major question mark with a strong right side but suspect blind side. The AFC North Odds have the 2012 Baltimore Ravens at -120 on the moneyline.

Stack Benjamin’s investing on the on Super Bowl Odds at BOVADA SPORTSBOOK

The defense will have a different coordinator for the 4th season in a row. Despite the constant change Baltimore should be among the top-5 defenses in the NFL. Baltimore still has three high-level players at all three levels in DT Haloti Ngata, LB Ray Lewis and S Ed Reed. Baltimore hammers RB’s with the best of them and the leadership that Ray Lewis and Ed Reed possess are worth their weight in gold. There are some thin spots upfront and in the secondary but the Ravens have some intriguing young talent that could surprise. The one thing that is concerning  is the effect of losing pass-rush demon Terrell Suggs possibly for the entire season because of an Achilles injury. Special teams are strong in all areas P Sam Koch a field-position weapon.

This crew has the makings of a Super Bowl team if Flacco can turn the corner and Ray Lewis can remain playing at a high level. At 8-1 a 1 UNIT Sports Odds Vegas wager on Baltimore to win the Super Bowl is worth a shot.

NFL Predictions Play: Baltimore to win the Super Bowl Odds +800 1 UNIT ($1000 to win $8000)

Frank Carnevale

Las Vegas resident Frank Carnevale has handicapped sports in Sin City for over 20 years. Frank specializes in Football, UFC and Horse Racing. Carnevale is a member of the Vegas Sharps sports syndicate that has been in business for over 8 years.