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Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

'Monday Night Football' best bets: Ravens' preseason record on the line

By Jack Dougherty | Last updated 8/21/23

One of the wackiest streaks in sports history will be on the line Monday night when the Washington Commanders host the Baltimore Ravens to close out Week 2 of the NFL preseason. The Ravens have won — get this — 24 straight preseason games leading up to tonight's version of "Monday Night Football." That sounds impossible, but it's somehow true.

So, are we backing the most profitable trend in the NFL or betting on its downfall? Let's find out.

Baltimore Ravens @ Washington Commanders odds and betting breakdown

Tonight's odds: Ravens -1.5, over/under 37.5, Ravens -130 moneyline | Commanders +110 moneyline

The Ravens may be riding the longest winning streak in NFL preseason history, but they're not interested in going all out to keep the streak alive. Starting quarterback Lamar Jackson won't be suiting up Monday night, nor will backup Tyler Huntley. Instead, head coach John Harbaugh will trot out journeyman Josh Johnson for the first half and second-year QB Anthony Brown for the second half.

Johnson was efficient against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1, but Brown struggled with just seven passing yards and an interception on eight attempts. Baltimore will be in trouble in Brown plays the entire second half Monday night.

As for the Commanders, I wouldn't be surprised if they give QB Sam Howell and the starting offense some run to start the game. Howell has only one game of NFL experience under his belt, and head coach Ron Rivera is known to play his starters in the preseason more than most coaches.

After Howell, it'll be Jacoby Brissett and Jake Fromm under center for Washington.

MNF picks

Commanders ML (+110 DraftKings)

Records are meant to be broken, baby.

This 24-game preseason winning streak has been impressive to watch, but it comes to an end Monday night. I expect the Commanders to jump out to an early lead behind their starting offense, and once the backups are in, Brissett will be the most accomplished QB on the field for either team.

Brown was inept for the Ravens in Week 1, so I can't imagine Baltimore will have much success passing the football in the second half. If this game plays out as expected, Brown will be forced to lead a comeback with his arm, and I have no faith in him making that happen.

Who's ready to jump in front of the runaway profit train with me?

Under 37.5 (-110 FanDuel)

This game could get ugly after the first quarter. The foursome of Brissett, Fromm, Johnson, and Brown isn't exactly a murderer's row of quarterbacks, and I don't see them having much success through the air with third- and fourth-stringers dominating the snaps Monday night.

I'll be riding the pregame under 37.5, but keep an eye on the live total if Washington's starters begin the game and put up some early points. I'm also interested in the second half under, especially if the first half goes over the total of 19. Both Brown and Fromm will struggle to move the ball through the air in the fourth quarter, so this feels like a game that will grind to a halt down the stretch.

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