Ravens vs. Bills prediction: NFL player props, picks, odds, best bets

The NFL involves complexities beyond most fans’ comprehension.The overlapping military terms of trenches, bomb and spy reinforce that notion.

But occasionally the simplest narrative provides a profitable betting angle, and we seemingly have that with the Baltimore Ravens. My favorite bet in today’s AFC showdown is Lamar Jackson under 28.5 passing attempts. I believe offensive coordinator Todd Monken is a human being who wants to avoid criticism and also learns from his mistakes.In last year’s playoff exit, he only called 16 run plays, despite having the league’s top rushing attack.

He was appropriately vilified all offseason for that inexcusable, pass-happy mindset. I highly doubt he will have a similar oversight on Sunday, especially now that he has workhorse running back Derrick Henry.I anticipate Baltimore to attack the Buffalo Bills on the ground early and often, just like it did in last week’s 28-14 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Ravens finished with 50 rushing attempts, including 26 from Henry and 15 from Jackson.

Obviously game flow plays a major role and the Ravens built a 21-0 halftime lead, allowing the run game to bleed clock and protect a lead. Nevertheless, this was also their mindset from the start.On their opening 13-play, 95-yard drive, the Ravens only attempted three passes.

That included a stretch of five straight Jackson runs with only one coming from a designed pass where he scrambled. Plus, while the Steelers were overmatched and Baltimore utilized the run to shorten the game in the second half, Buffalo figures to have a much more competent offense and have longer drives than Pittsburgh did, thereby minimizing Baltimore’s total snaps. I prefer the prop of total attempts instead of passing yards because I do think the Ravens will find success through the air.In fact, Jackson led the NFL in yards per attempt and yards per completion.

So with Baltimore’s rushing attack putting such pressure on Buffalo’s defense, t...