ARE WE READY TO STEP INTO THE FIRE!

Are we ready to face Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs? What a way to find out. We’re starting the NFL season on national TV (and you don’t need to pay for it on some subscription service) Week One in a replay of last year’s AFC Championship. The teams are different but the main characters are the same: Patrick Mahomes against Lamar Jackson. It doesn’t get any better than this.

The Ravens have had a relatively injury free training camp. One reason for this is that no real starting player on the Ravens played a single snap in a preseason game. Meanwhile, Mahomes and Kelsey played in the second preseason game. Will this make any difference? Time will tell.

The Ravens offense has a new guy you might know: Derrick Henry. Derrick is 30 now but you wouldn’t know by looking at his stats from last year. Almost 1,200 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns. I am excited to see how opposing defenses play the combination of Lamar and Derrick in the Ravens backfield. This could be something special if, and it’s a big if, the offensive line can be as good as last year.

This is where I cut and paste from the last I don’t know how many seasons, “I don’t know how good the O-line will be.” Especially with only one reliable starting linemen returning from last year, center Tyler Linderbaugh #64. It’s is a good thing for Lamar to have the same center for three seasons snapping him the ball. Ronnie Stanley, left tackle, is another linemen from last year but he was not an every down player. And neither of them played one snap in the preseason. We may have to wait until they take the field Thursday night in Kansas City to know who our starting linemen are.

Roquan Smith is still the anchor of a defense that may be better than last season. At least it seems that way on paper. To be better, a few young guys and new starters to step up. Our first round draft pick Nate Wiggins needs to play as well as he did in the first preseason game. You know me, I love me some great defense and I think this can be another one of those “Ravens Defenses.” I like our guys!

This is the best time of year! The anticipation for what the new season will bring just keeps me up at night. I know I sound like a little kid at Christmas. I just can’t believe the start of the season is here. We can push aside all the training camp prognostication and see for ourselves if all the hard work is going to payoff. How will we stand up against the rest of the AFC North? Can we win the division? Will we have the number one seed like last year? Can we make it to the promised land? Again time will tell.

GO RAVENS!!!

The view from 151 is blog written from the prospective of a guy who sits in section 151 every week and bleeds purple and black. I try to keep it real but given my choice I will stand behind the Ravens every time. We look at most of the games each week on how the outcome can help the Ravens. So remember: don’t bet the rent money on my picks, they are who we want to win not who we think will win.

MY PICKS FOR WEEK 1

THURSDAY NIGHT 8:00
RAVENS over Chiefs
The Ravens go to Kansas City to open the season against the Chiefs. I promised myself that I wouldn’t dwell on the past and mention losing the AFC Championship game in Baltimore, Zay Flowers fumbling at the goal line, Lamar throwing an interception in the end zone, or the defense holding the Chiefs to 17 points and still losing. I’m sorry I just couldn’t help myself, it still hurts.

The Ravens and Chiefs had the same off season strategy, almost like if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Neither team made big personnel changes with the only exception of Derrick Henry coming to Baltimore. We both lost some good players and had a good draft class. So, how will this change the outcome of the game? We want it more, I am not the only person who remembers how our season ended last year. Lamar, Roquan, Zay, Mark, and I could go on, they all remember how close they came to playing in the Super Bowl. The Chiefs are trying to three-peat but they’re still hungover from the parties. No matter how this game shakes out, no matter the Xs and Os, we want it more and it will show Thursday night in Kansas City. The Ravens win this game and start our season off showing we are the baddest team in the league. Fear the Raven!

GO RAVENS!!!

Hold on don’t go anywhere, keep the popcorn handy we get a game on Friday night.

FRIDAY NIGHT 8:00

Packers vs Eagles (somewhere in Brazil)
Well it didn’t take long into the season to need some kind of paid subscription to see a game. You will need Peacock to watch this game. If you don’t have Peacock or refuse to pay for what should be free to all of use who spend our hard earned money on tickets, jerseys, and all the other purple stuff that fill my closet, (sorry that went on a little to long) find a pub to enjoy a few beers and watch the game letting someone else pay for it. This should be a good NFC match up, possibly a preview of the NFC Championship game.

Sorry no NFL on Saturday, but you can watch Maryland play Michigan Sate at 3:30.

SUNDAY 1:00

Falcons over Steelers
Need I say more?

Patriots over Bengals
Ditto

Cardinals over Bills
NFC team over AFC team

Bears over Titans
Ditto

Texans over Colts
Talking about dwelling in the past, I still have not gotten over the Colts leaving Baltimore.

Jaguars over Dolphins
We are rooting against the Dolphins who may be competing against the Ravens for a playoff spot. Yes, week one we are talking about the playoffs

SUNDAY 4:00

Cowboys over Browns
Tom Brady will be calling this game for FOX so just turn the sound down and you will be fine.

Chargers over Raiders
Ravens play the Raiders in Baltimore next week and we want them to know they don’t have a chance of beating us.

Seahawks over Broncos
NFC over AFC

Commanders over Buccaneers
For our Washington fan friends.

SUNDAY NIGHT 8:00

Lions over Rams
Rooting for the home team because we all know what it’s like for the Ravens to lose at home.

MONDAY NIGHT 8:00
(I don’t think you need to pay for this game)
49ers over Jets
NFC over AFC

Enjoy the games with a cold beverage and friends.

I just realized, not once did I mention Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. As long as you don’t count this line.

And this is just The View from 151

GO RAVENS!!!

FOR THE RAVENS, THE PLAYOFFS HAVE BEGUN

The playoffs started for the Ravens last week with a thrilling walk-off punt return by Wallace that almost made me forget we had been sitting in the rain for the last four hours. The Ravens play was as sloppy as the weather was but I always say “I will take a ugly win over a pretty loss any day”.

So, we go on the road to Jacksonville to face the first of three division leaders in the next three games. The team with the toughest remaining schedule goes to the Ravens, who face the Jaguars, 49ers on the road, the Dolphins, and Steelers at home. The Jags, 49er, and Dolphins all currently lead their divisions.

With a goal of getting the number one seed in the AFC for home field advantage throughout the playoffs (then of course winning the Super Bowl), the Ravens would need to almost win all of their remaining games. There is some wiggle room. We could lose one game but that loss can’t be to Miami. We could clinch a playoff spot with a win against Jacksonville and if Pittsburgh and Buffalo lose or Pittsburgh and Denver lose. Since both the Steelers and Broncos are playing on Saturday we will know if we are playing for a playoff spot by Saturday afternoon.  

The Ravens go to Jacksonville to face a Jaguars team that is coming off a loss to Joe Flacco and the Browns. While we never want the Browns to win by them beating the Jaguars it helped us get the number one seed. Thanks Joe.

GO RAVENS!!!

My picks are who we want to win not who we think will win. So don’t bet the Christmas bonus on my picks.

Thursday 8:00

5-8 Raiders over 5-8 Chargers
This is a race to the bottom of the AFC West. Both teams are starting backup QBs. The Raiders lost in a 3-0 game last week this game may end in a 0-0 tie. This was written before the game and this is why I say never to bet on my picks. The Raiders did win with a final score of 63-21. Backup QBs rule!

Saturday? Yes, we have NFL football on Saturday! Life is great!

Saturday 1:00

7-6 Vikings over 7-6 Bengals
A Ravens win and a Bengals loss would eliminate them from winning the AFC North

Saturday 4:30

7-6 Colts over 7-6 Steelers
Not that we like to root for the Colts but when it’s against the Steelers it’s a no-brainer.

Saturday 8:15

9-4 Lions over 7-6 Broncos
This would be the trifecta. If all three teams Bengals, Steelers, and Broncos loss this sets up the Ravens to clinch a playoff spot with a win Sunday Night.

Sunday 1:00

5-8 Bears over 8-5 Browns
Sorry Joe, we need some separation.

6-7 Packers over 6-7 Buccaneers
Both teams are fighting for their playoff life. This could be a good game to watch.

5-8 Jets over 9-4 Dolphins
A Dolphins loss would take some pressure off the Ravens.

3-10 Patriots over 9-4 Chiefs
Did you see Patrick Mahomes doing his best Tom Brady impression yelling at the referees.

5-8 Titans over 7-6 Texans

Sunday 4:00

4-9 Commanders over 6-7 Rams
The DC fans will complain about a win that gives them a later draft pick.

10-3 Cowboys over 7-6 Bills
Combine this with a Steeler loss and a Ravens win gets us in the playoffs.

Sunday 8:00

10-3 RAVENS over 8-5 Jaguars
The weather forecast for Sunday in Jacksonville is rain and a lot of it just like last week in Baltimore. This game on paper sets the Ravens up for a big win. The Jaguars are banged up and the Ravens are as healthy as they have been all season. We may be the most complete team in the NFL offense, defense, and special teams (I’m still smiling about the Wallace punt return). While Jacksonville has a good offense the defense is their weakness and terrible against the pass. While it may be raining we saw how well Lamar through the ball in the rain last Sunday. Trevor Lawrence has a bum ankle and won’t be able to run away from our pass rush it’s going to be a long day for him. The Ravens will stack another win this week.

GO RAVENS!!!

Monday night 8:00

10-3 Eagles over 6-7 Seahawks
The Eagles need to bounce back form the ugly loss to the Cowboys last week.

Enjoy the games knowing you have another week to get your Christmas shopping done.

GO RAVENS!!!

And that’s just The View From 151

STACKING WINS!

Stack win number four in dominating fashion against the NFC West leading Seahawks. The Ravens beat the Seahawks 37-3 at the Bank last week in one of the most balanced team wins in Ravens history with all three phases of the team playing at a championship level. It was a beautiful thing to watch. Last week’s win makes it the second win in three weeks against NFC division leaders with a combined score total of 75-9. I like how that stacks up.

We constantly hear Coach Harbaugh (not the one who is suspended for three weeks) talk about the importance of “stacking wins” – meaning build on wins or winning streaks. This could not more true with the next two games against the Browns and the Bengals Sunday and Thursday night. If the Ravens could beat the Browns and the Bengals this would give Baltimore a clear shot at winning the AFC North Division. With the last divisional game against the Steelers scheduled for week 18 – that could be a meaningless game if the Ravens have secured their playoff seed. Seems like every week we are talking about another game to test the number one ranked Ravens’ defense and every week we shake our heads saying the Ravens have one hell of a defense. Can we now start to “mention them with” or “compare them to” this 2023 defense against the Ravens 2000 defense. NO! NO! NO! Stop thinking about this! We have a lot of work to do before we start talking like that. We can look at this again in less than six days after the Thursday night game against the Bengals. Did I mention the defense is getting healthier? Marcus Williams is the only defensive player on the injury report but was listed as full practice all week, meaning he is going to play Sunday. And you thought Halloween was scary!

The Browns bring to Baltimore a banged up offensive line to try and protect their QB Deshaun Watson from the sack leading Ravens defense. Cleveland’s right tackle is listed as out and the only reason the left tackle is not on the injury report is because he was put on the injured reserve list and will be out for several weeks. It’s going to be a good old butt kicking on Sunday, need I say more?

GO RAVENS!!!

I pick games with an eye on how the results will help the Ravens get to the playoffs. Such as: rooting against the other teams in our division: Steelers (of course), Bengals, and Browns, picking a NFC team over an AFC team, wanting a team to lose with a better record than the Ravens, or just because we don’t like them (Colts). Some or even several of my picks each week are long shots but we just root for how it helps the Ravens. Any given Sunday!

Remember, my picks are who we want to win not who we think will win, so don’t bet the leaf blower money on my picks.

Thursday Night 8:15
1-8 Panthers 13 vs 3-7 Bears 16

Sunday 1:00

7-2 RAVENS over 5-3 Browns
There is a narrative out there that the Browns have the number one defense in the league. I say they are completely out of their minds. Looking at the only stat that counts (points allowed per game), the Ravens are first by far only giving up less than 14 points…again. I don’t care about how many yards or first downs a team gives up. If we keep any team under 14 points, with our offense, we win that game. Week 4 we beat the Browns 28-3 and we have gotten healthier and better since them. So I expect another good old fashioned butt whooping.

GO RAVENS!!!

4-4 Texans over 5-3 Bengals
Let’s see if the Texans rookie QB is for real.

3-5 Packers over 5-3 Steelers
GO PACK GO!

2-7 Patriots over 4-5 Colts
I still can’t believe the Colts beat us.

5-3 49ers over 6-2 Jaguars
NFC over AFC

Sunday 4:00

None of the 4 O’clock games mean anything to the Ravens so this would be a good time to rake the leaves or, my preference, take a nap.

Sunday night 8:00

4-4 Jets vs 4-5 Raiders
You pick’em.

Monday night 8:00

3-5 Broncos over 5-4 Bills

Bye week for Chiefs, Dolphins, Eagles, and Rams.

Enjoy the games with the hopes that Lamar is resting during the fourth quarter like he did last week.

And that’s just The View from 151.

GO RAVENS!!!

NOW THAT’S WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT!

What a dominate performance last week against the Lions. All three phases offense, defense, and special teams were on fire against what was touted as one of the best teams in the NFL. The Ravens just put the rest of the league on notice that they are one of the best teams in the NFL.

I didn’t think that any fan base could be as bad as the Steeler fans but the bandwagoning Lion fans were almost as obnoxious as Steeler fans. The only difference between the Steeler fan and the Lion fan was they didn’t have some stupid towel to wave around in my face. Just like the Steeler fan, there were way too many Lion fans who have jumped on the bandwagon at the Bank last week. Even before the game started they were loud, talking trash and they held up the lines getting in the stadium because they forgot to leave their guns at home. It could have been ugly having to listen to them throughout the game, but the Ravens shut them up just minutes into the game. I had to laugh, by the middle of the second quarter they were booing and yelling at their own team. Thanks, Ravens, for making my day.

What can you say about the Ravens performance last week? IT WAS GREAT! The offense was great, scoring touchdowns at will. The defense was great holding the highly rated Lions offense without a first down in the first half. Special teams were great even though we didn’t need to punt until late in the game. If you want to know the definition of a “statement game” just watch the tape from last week’s Ravens Lions game. It was a thing of beauty.

Lamar was the offensive player of the week. No kidding.

This week it’s back on the road to Arizona to take on the 1-6 Cardinals.

GO RAVENS!!!

I pick games with an eye on how the results will help the Ravens get to the playoffs. Such as rooting against the other teams in our division: Steelers (of course), Bengals, and Browns. Picking a NFC team over an AFC team. Wanting a team to lose with a better record than the Ravens, or just because we don’t like them (Colts). Some or even several of my picks each week are long shots but we just root for how it helps the Ravens. Any given Sunday!

Remember, my picks are who we want to win not who we think will win, so don’t bet the trick or treat candy money on my picks.

Thursday night 8:15

3-3 Buccaneers over 4-3 Bills

The Bills are not what they were last season. Baker Mayfield since going to the Buccaneers has played with a chip on his shoulder.

Sunday 1:00

5-2 Jaguars over 4-2 Steelers
Go Jaguars!

0-6 Panthers over 3-3 Texans
Will the Panthers get their first win this week?

2-4 Packers over 3-4 Vikings
The Packs could use Arron Rodgers right about now; for that matter so could the Jets.

3-4 Saints over 3-4 Colts
I still can’t believe the Colts beat us.

Sunday 4:00

5-2 RAVENS over 1-6 Cardinals
This may not be as easy as is looks Kyle Murray was a full participant in practice this week which means he could play on Sunday against the Ravens. The Cardinals are a different team if Murray plays. Did I mention the Cardinals will be playing against the offensive player of the week Lamar Jackson? Even if Murray plays (who has not played all season) our defense leading the league in sacks will run him down like a dog.

GO RAVENS!!!

4-2 Seahawks over 4-2 Browns
It’s time for the Browns to be the Browns and lose in Seattle.

5-2 49ers over 3-3 Bengals
The 49er have lost the last two games but the correct course and bet Cincinnati in San Fransisco.

Sunday Night 8:00

2-5 Bears over 2-4 Chargers
NFC over AFC

Monday Night 8:00

5-2 Lions over 3-4 Raiders
Detroit may still be licking their wounds from the beat down the Ravens gave them last week, but they bounce back and beat the Raiders.

Enjoy the games with your favorite ghost or goblin.

And that’s just The View from 151.

GO RAVENS!!!

WEEK 3: LAMAR WITH TIME IN THE BACKFIELD

The Ravens went into Cincinnati and scored a huge win over Joe Burrow and the Bengals last week. We checked off the first divisional road win of the three divisional road games we have on the schedule in the first five weeks, Browns and Steelers are weeks 4 and 5. Can I say the Ravens are sitting on top in first place of the AFC East this early in the season? Yes I can when they just beat a division rival on the road!

I need to be honest going into last Sunday I didn’t feel good about our offensive line with Patrick Mekari at left tackle in for the injured Ronnie Stanley and Sam Mustipher at center in for the injured Tyler Linderbaum. How well would they protect Lamar? No problem, they did a great job pass and run blocking, giving Lamar time to look downfield and play one of the best games of his career Sunday. Having a potentially great receiver corp doesn’t hurt either. It was exciting to see our receivers catch the long balls to stretch the Bengal’s defense. Flowers’ 52-yard catch between two defenders in the third quarter was a thing of beauty.

Did our defense look that good or did Joe Burrow and the Bengals offense look that bad? I think we are that good. Burrow doesn’t run the ball and we held them to just 66 yards rushing as a team and 282 yards total. Against the Bengals on the road, I say that’s a good days work.

At the Bank this week, we face the Colts who have a rookie Lamar like quarterback. The Colts rookie QB Anthony Richardson as of Thursday is in concussion protocol and has not practiced this week. I wish I could say the Ravens defense will have another rookie QB to chew on but if Richardson can’t go we have backup Gardner Minshew to sack who has been in the league for 5 seasons. I think has played for what seams like ten different teams. So we don’t know who we will play against on Sunday but, whoever it is, it’s going to be a massacre.

Defensively the Colts are not very good. They have a secondary that gives up a ton of passing yards. Look for Lamar and the receiving corp to have a great day. The Ravens offensive line will be tested against the Colts only pass rusher: three-time All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard, but one man does not make a team. I think we can keep him in check.

GO RAVENS!!!

I pick games with an eye on how the results will help the Ravens get to the playoffs. Such as rooting against the other teams in our division: Steelers (of course), Bengals, and Browns. Picking a NFC team over an AFC team. Wanting a team to lose with a better record than the Ravens, or just because we don’t like them (Colts). Some or even several of my picks each week are long shots but we just root for how it helps the Ravens. Any given Sunday!

Remember, my picks are who we want to win not who we think will win, so don’t bet the rent money on my picks.

Thursday night 8:20

(2-0) 49ers over (1-1) Giants
I am not listening to any of the hype around the Giants. They just aren’t that good and the 49ers will prove it Thursday night.

Sunday 1:00

(2-0) RAVENS over (1-1)
Not knowing who the Colts starting QB will be makes it a little harder to game plan for. Especially since the two quarterbacks are so different. Richardson is, like I said, Lamar-like and will run the ball, and Minshew is a stay in the pocket kinda guy who may go crazy on you and run the ball. We just don’t know what we will get. The Colts have only scored four touchdowns this season and three of them were Richardson running the ball. The Colt’s leading rusher only has 88 total yards this season. Looking at the Raven’s injury report, a surprise on the list was Justice Hill who was a big part of the run game last week. He did not practice Tuesday due to a foot issue. I hope he will play. Last week, the Ravens showed us a very balanced offense, but, with Hill not practicing, the running game may not be as strong and that will put the pressure on Lamar and the passing game. I think Lamar will be just fine.

The weather may be a factor in this game with a forecast of rain and maybe lots of it so don’t forget your galoshes.

GO RAVENS!!!

(1-1) Titans over (1-1) Browns
The Browns looked really bad Monday night against the Steelers. Plus we play the Browns next week and we want them broken.

(1-1) Packers over the (2-0) Saints
The Packers need a win at home.

(0-2) Broncos over (2-0) Dolphins
The Dolphins have the same record as the Ravens.

(0-2) Vikings over (0-2) Chargers
NFC over AFC

(2-0) Commanders over (1-1) Bills
What… The Commanders are 2-0?

Sunday 4:25

(2-0) Cowboys over (0-2) Cardinals
The Cowboys look like the team to beat in the NFC.

(0-2) Bears over (1-1) Chiefs
What… The Chiefs have lost a game? NFC over AFC

Sunday Night 8:20

(1-1) Raiders over (1-1) Steelers
The Steelers on prime time again, something is wrong here. A slight tip of the hat to the Steelers for beating the Browns last week. Maybe that’s why I didn’t get the blog written. I just couldn’t bring myself to actually write that we were rooting for the Steelers to beat the Browns.

Monday Night 7:15

(2-0) Eagles over (2-0) Buccaneers
Rooting for our Eagle fan friends.

Monday 8:15

(1-1) Rams over (0-2) Bengals
What….. The Bengals are 0-2? Now I like that!

Enjoy the games with a friend and a cold beer!

This is just the View From 151.

GO RAVENS!!!





ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!?

I sure am!

It’s great to be back banging on a keyboard talking about the Ravens and anticipating the impending football season. This time of year everyone is optimistic about how far the Ravens will go. I can’t wait for the smell of tailgate grills getting fired up. The swish of a cold beer being opened. The roar of the crowd when there team takes the field for the first home game of the season. The disbelief when Tucker breaks another kicking record. The crack of the bat.. wait that’s not football but this would be a good time to give a shout out to our Orioles who are tearing it up this year. GO O’s! Back to the Ravens, we made it though training camp fairly unscathed thankfully we did not hear the words ” out for the season” connected to any of the starters with Marlon Humphreys being the only starter who may miss two or three games with a foot injury. Although with all the mystery around Mark Andrews and why he is not practicing, he may be injured also. The fact that J K Dobbins did not practice until the last week of training camp or the fact that none of the main starters played one snap in a preseason game means we don’t know who’s healthy or not. Whether you agree or not with not playing the starters in the preseason, that can be debated at a later date. We really don’t know what we have unit September 10th at 1:00 PM at M&T Bank Stadium. Look for the first injury report to get posted that may give us some idea for the condition of our team.

At the beginning of the season, all we have to judge the team is what it looks like on paper. So the offense looks good and, with all the questions, the defense not so good.

Starting on defense Marlon missing even two games is not a good thing. Tyus Bowser is out on the non-football injury list and again we have no clue why we question where is the pass rush going to come from? The Ravens added veteran help with Jadeveon Clowney and Ronald Darby for the line and backfield. This will help, but the younger guys like Patrick Queen and David Ojabo will need to step up for this unit to do well. I loved what we saw from Roquan Smith last year and am hoping we see the same this season. All in all, I like the defense but we just won’t know until they get on the field.

The offense looks great on paper. The wide receiver corp may be the best the Ravens have ever had. Four of the five lineman are returning starters from last year and I can’t remember the last time we could say this. For the first time in Lamar’s career he will have the same starting center as last year. The running backs are healthy and will be available week one. Mark Andrews and Ronnie Stanley are both on the injury list but were practicing on a limited basis. So, looking at all the offensive pieces the glaring question is: Can Lamar utilize all the weapons? Can Lamar hit the long passes to the speedy receivers? If we can’t stretch the field then we are in the same situation as last year dumping the ball off to Andrews for less than ten yards. We just can’t keep relying on Lamar’s legs, he got to throw the long ball accurately to keep the other team’s defense guessing.

We just don’t know how the Ravens will play but I’m excited to find out.

GO RAVENS!!!

I pick games with an eye on how the results will help the Ravens get to the playoffs. Such as rooting against the other teams in our division Steelers (of course), Bengals, and Browns. Picking a NFC team over a AFC team. Wanting a team to lose with a better record than the Ravens, or just because we don’t like them (Colts). Some or even several of my picks each week are long shots but we just root for how it helps the Ravens. Any given Sunday!

Remember, my picks are who we want to win not who we think will win. So don’t bet the beer money on my picks.

Thursday night 8:20

Lion over Chiefs
So, big deal the Chiefs won another Super Bowl what else is new? Rooting for the NFC team over the AFC team.

SUNDAY 1:00

RAVENS over Texans
Houston comes into Baltimore with a new rookie head coach DeMeco Ryan and a rookie quarterback C.J Stroud the No. 2 pick in this years draft. I don’t think either one of them will get much sleep Saturday night thinking about the pounding Roquan Smith and the Ravens defense will put on them Sunday. The Ravens defense is not the only thing Ryan needs to lose sleep over. How are they going to stop Lamar? The simple answer…. they’re not going to stop Lamar and the Ravens offense. The Ravens have a great week one record and that’s not going to change this week.

GO RAVENS!!!

Browns over Bengals
At the time of publishing, after dealing with a leg injury, Joe Burrow is scheduled to play on Sunday against the Browns. So with deep struggle I pick the Browns to win. This is a road game for the Bengals so you anticipate the home field advantage the Browns will have. Plus we play the Bengals in Cincinnati week two and it would be fantastic if the Bengals were 0-2 after week two.

49ers over Steelers
Need I say more?

Jaguars over Colts
I will never forgive the Irsay’s for moving the Colts out of Baltimore. That is why I root against them whenever I can.

Saints over Titans
NFC over AFC. I have a story tell you about the Titan’s QB but I will save it for week six when we play them in London.

Commanders over Cardinals
I root for Washington when I can for our Commander fan friends. And the Orioles are playing the Cardinals next week so why not kill two birds with one stone.

Sunday 4:00

Packers over Bears
Same as with Washington I root for Green bay when I can for our Packer fan friends.

Eagles over Patriots
The Eagles are kinda our NFC team and it’s hard to break old habits of rooting against Tom Brady and the Patriots even though Tom has been out of New England for years. (Did you notice I hold grudges)

Sunday night 8:20

Cowboys over Giants
Same thought as the Commanders and Packers.

Monday Night 8:15

Jets over Bills
Sometimes I root for the home team because I know what it’s like to be at the game and have your team lose. Plus the Bills are going to be the harder team to beat later in the season.

Enjoy the games with a couple of Tiki drinks in memory of Jimmy Buffett. Jimmy is in his forever paradise, safe in that one particular harbor. Jimmy’s latitude may have changed but his attitude will live forever.

And that’s just The View From 151.

GO RAVENS!!!

That was a Close One

Last week’s win in Pittsburgh may have been a 60 minute game but it all came down to a few seconds of play. Calais Campbell’s blocked field goal and Gus Edward’s three yard run for a first down allowing us to run the clock out and end the game for a 16 – 14 victory. As usual, this Raven vs Steelers game was ugly and brutal with both starting quarterbacks getting knocked out of the game and into concussion protocol. I might add that the hit on Tyler Huntley should have drawn a flag with Steeler Minkah Fitzpatrick using his shoulder to hit Tyler in the head. I was glad to see the Raven’s run game, with J K Dobbins back, to dominate the Steelers supposedly very good run defense. As I always say…I will take an ugly win over a pretty loss any day.

To come out of Pittsburgh with a road win is tough but what can be even tougher is trying to heal up on a short week to play another AFC North divisional game in Cleveland. That’s right, we play on Saturday at 4:30 against the Browns in Cleveland.

Now I have a little story to tell. Remember when you were in elementary school and you had to write a paragraph about how you spent your summer vacation. This is my paragraph about how I spent my bye week. And of course nothing has changed since I was in elementary school–I am handing this in a couple weeks late.

How I spent my Bye week

I am in the New Orleans French Quarter with a bunch of Browns fans the weekend after the Ravens beat the Saints in New Orleans. So I get to proudly wear my purple around town. The purpose of the trip was to be the officiant at a wedding. It was nice Blah Blah Blah enough of that. Flash forward to Sunday and we are going to a Browns bar on Orleans Street to watch the Browns vs Dolphins and I am almost rooting for the Browns to beat the Dolphins. I show up a few minutes after kickoff and the Browns are up 7-0- so far, so good. I walk in the bar proudly all purpled up, I receive the expected and appropriate boos from all the Cleveland fans. I take a bow and order a beer when this young lady comes up to me and tells me she needs to by me a drink. I curiously accept and ask why. This lady tells me she was on the phone with her boy friend who is from Baltimore when I walked in she tells him that a guy just walked in with a Ravens jersey on. The boy friend tells her any Ravens fan brave enough to walk into the Browns bar deserves a free drink. I thanked her and enjoyed my free beer. Back to the game. I sit down with my fellow wedding guests. The groom’s family was from Cleveland, as I said the Browns were up 7-0. But from there it was all down hill for the Browns. Sitting there I got a glimpse of what it’s like to be a Browns fan and let me tell you it’s not pretty. With each play I got more and more depressed listening to what has to be a weekly ritual of sayings to please just catch the ball or just tackle the runner. As the Browns fans dragged me into their deep depression I realized I needed to leave before it was to late. I left just after halftime and not a moment to soon. Of course the Browns lost and the Dolphins remain only 1/2 game behind the Ravens. So amongst the lively music and glitter of the French Quarter you can spot a Browns fan from a block away as they drag themselves through life.

GO RAVENS!!!

Remember, my picks are who we want to win not who we think will win. So don’t bet the beer money on my picks.

Thursday 8:00

(7-6) Seahawks over (9-4) 49ers
Just rooting for the home team.

Saturday (That’s right SATURDAY remember this–we get an extra day of football)

1:00

(10-3) Vikings over (4-8-1) Colts
Still can’t forgive the Colts for moving out of Baltimore. Besides any team that has a tie in their record doesn’t deserve to win another game.

4:30

(9-4) RAVENS over (5-8) Browns
So we are the underdogs again this week against the Browns. Now that’s what I call disrespect. That’s OK because we will earn the respect on the field with a stifling defense and an unstoppable run game. This will be Browns QB Deshaun Watson’s third game after coming back from his suspension and he won’t be ready to face the likes of our healthy defense. The Browns like to run the ball and the Ravens are one of the best at stopping the run. The Ravens like to run the ball and will run at will right down the middle of the Browns defense. It looks like Tyler will play Saturday with Anthony Brown as backup while Lamar is nursing a knee. The Ravens will run for over 200 yards and get another divisional win on the road.

GO RAVENS!!!

8:15

(8-5) Dolphins over (10-3) Bills
We are looking up at the Bills in the playoff seeding and would love to quiet the Josh Allen lovers.

SUNDAY

1:00

(5-8) Panthers over (5-8) Steelers
It was a beautiful sight looking at all the long sad faces of the Steeler fans leaving the stadium last week knowing they just got beat by a practice squad quarterback.

(4-9) Saints over (5-8) Falcons
Rooting for the home team.

(12-1) Eagles over (3-10) Bears
It’s amazing how consistently bad da Bears are year after year. They are the Browns of the NFC.

(1-11-1) Texans over (10-3) Chiefs
That’s a lot of ones in the Texans record.
Rooting for a team with a tie in it since we are looking up at the Chiefs in the playoff seeding.

(10-3) Cowboys over (5-8) Jaguars
NFC over AFC. We will start looking at the draft positions next week.

(6-7) Lions over (7-6) Jets
The Jets are still in the playoff hunt and this will knock them out.

4:00

(6-7) Buccaneers over (9-4) Bengals
This is the game we are most interested in on Sunday and they make us wait until 4:00 to watch it. We need Tom Brady to pull a win out of his hat and give us a early Christmas present. Have I ever told you that Tom Brady is my favorite player? Not really, but he may be this Sunday if he beats the Bengals.

(3-10) Broncos over (4-9) Cardinals
Well, I spoke to some, we can start looking at the draft position of the AFC Broncos. We want the early draft picks to be in the NFC.

(7-6) Patriots over (5-8) Raiders
We want the Patriots to have playoff hopes when they play the Bengals next week.

(7-6) Titan vs (7-6) Chargers
Both 7-6 AFC teams not sure who to root for they are both in the playoff hunt. Maybe, root for a tie.

8:00

(7-5-1) Commanders over (7-5-1) Giants
The Giants don’t belong in the playoffs. So we are rooting for Washington.

Monday

8:00

(5-8) Packers over (4-9) Rams
How the mighty have fallen. The reigning Super Bowl champion Rams are 4-9 and in last place in the NFC West.

Enjoy the games with a buddy, because you never know when he may not be around any more.

RIP Jameson

And that’s just The View from 151.

GO RAVENS!!!

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

WEEK 14

I can no longer stand idly by, it’s time I jumped back in to help our Ravens with some encouraging words for the offense that scored a season low 10 points last week against the Broncos. Albeit 10 points was enough to win the game thanks to an improved defense with the addition of Roquan Smith. Last Sunday was way too cold to only score 10 points, we needed a lot more to stand up and cheer about to keep us warm.

Before I go on, let me address the elephant in the room Lamar has a sprained knee and will miss multiple games just as we begin a stretch of 4 out of 5 games against AFC North division opponents Steelers, Browns, Steelers, Bengals with the Falcons thrown in there for an easy win. Lamar will be missed but we have one of the better backup quarterbacks in the NFL with Tyler Huntley. Tyler is 0-3 as a starter against other AFC North teams but, the trend changes this week in Pittsburgh. Tyler may not be as elusive and exciting as Lamar but Tyler has a stronger arm than Lamar. Remember the offense needs words of encouragement.

That’s right it’s Steeler week, but will it be the same without Ben Roethlisberger to boo and yell at? I say yes, it’s still the Steelers and nothing has changed but the quarterback’s name. Please give a rude welcome the only QB picked in the first round of this years draft, Kenny Pickett the new starting QB for the Steelers. The formal introduction comes in a couple of weeks when the Steelers come to Baltimore. Pickett has a starting 4-4 record, has thrown 8 interceptions to only 4 touchdowns, and has been sacked 23 time in 8 games. Do the math-that’s three sacks a game. I can’t wait to see what our rejuvenated defense does against this kid.

GO RAVENS!!!

WHO WE ARE ROOTING FOR OR AGAINST

Remember my picks are who we want to win to help the Ravens and not who we think will win. So. don’t bet the Christmas budget on my picks. Unless it’s with some of the free money the betting sites are giving away.

Thursday Night 8:20

(3-9) Rams over (5-7) Raiders
How desperate are the Rams? They just picked up Baker Mayfield after he was released by the Panthers. And the really sad part is Mayfield may play Thursday night after only being with the team 3 or 4 days.

Sunday 1:00

(8-4) RAVENS over (5-7) Steelers
The Ravens go into Pittsburgh as 2.5 point underdogs. Against a rookie QB? I don’t think so! OK, go ahead and bet on the Ravens this week. Well, maybe use the free money from the betting sites. We don’t know who our starting left tackle will be this week. Stanley? Mekari? Faalele? Who ever it is they will have their hands full trying to block T J Watt. It’s hard to name anyone else on the Steelers defense who stands out, maybe that’s why they are ranked 27th in the NFL. We could go on and on with names on our defense, Smith, Campbell, Humphrey, Houston, Peters, etc. The Ravens defense will give the new kid a rude introduction to the Ravens / Steelers rivalry. My money is on the Ravens and our backup QB over the Steelers and their rookie QB. (Again with the free money)

GO RAVENS!!!

(5-7) Browns over (8-4) Bengals
The Bengals beat the Chiefs last week…not a good thing.

(7-5) Jets over (9-3) Bills
What?! The Jets are 7-5 how did that happen?

(9-3) Cowboys over (1-10-1) Texans
What?! The Texans have a win how did that happen? The Texans are on the clock.

(5-7) Lions over (10-2) Vikings
Rooting for the home team.

(11-1) Eagles over (7-4-1) Giants
Fly-Eagles-Fly

(4-8) Jaguars over (7-5) Titans
Just because.

Sunday 4:00

(3-9) Broncos over (9-3) Chiefs
Rooting against the Chiefs because their sorry butts couldn’t beat the Bengals last week.

(7-5) Seahawks over (4-8) Panthers
Rooting for the home team.

(8-4) 49ers over (6-6) Buccaneers
Still rooting against Tom Brady.

Sunday Night 8:20

(6-6) Chargers over (8-4) Dolphins
It’s all about helping the Ravens. The Dolphins beat us week 2 so they hold a higher seed than the Ravens.

Monday Night 8:15

(4-8) Cardinals over (6-6) Patriots
NFC over AFC

BYE WEEK: Falcons, Bears, Packers, Colts, Saints, Commanders

Enjoy the games guilt-free knowing there are 13 more days until Christmas, plenty of time to do your shopping.

And that’s just The View From 151.

GO RAVENS!!!

The View from 151 (Late Edition)

9/18/22 Week 2 (Very Late Edition)

RAVENS OVER DOLPHINS

Our Ravens needed a complete quarter to knock off the rust but got a full head of steam in the second half. Beating the Joe Flacco led Jets 24-9 is not a bad start but it was against the Jets and they make everyone look good. You could almost call last week’s game our 4th preseason game.

The Dolphins come to Baltimore this week for the real regular season start when the Dolphins and Tua come to the Bank. This will be more of start to see what the Ravens are going to bring this season. No contract for Lamar-he will play out the season on his rookie contract making 23 million. He could be making 50 million if he could agree to a new contract. I hope he knows what he is doing.

GO RAVENS!

Thursday Night-Chiefs beat the Chargers 27-24. I’m told it was a good game. I fell asleep in the first quarter.

Sunday 1:00pm

1-0 Ravens over 1-0 Dolphins. Lamar, in his 5th season, with the 5th starting center. I can cut and paste from previous years View from 151: The number one question is how will the Ravens O-line play. You may need to be a PHD in Physics to come up with the different O-Line combinations we have had during Lamar’s tenure. After losing Ju’Wuan James out for the season with a torn Achilles, week two will have different starters than week one. Lamar will do what Lamar does best as the Ravens will beat the Dolphins to go 2-0

0-1 Patriots over 1-0 Steelers No need to say why we are rooting against the Steelers.

0-1 Jets over 1-0 Browns. The Browns are the Browns and they will make the Jets look good. Go Joe Flacco!

0-1 Panthers over 1-0 Giants. I just like ragging on the Giants. They make it so easy.

0-0-1 Colts over the 0-1 Jaguars. Another reason not to like the Colts. The tie is awkward for my blog.

1-0 Saints over 1-0 Buccaneers. Its just a Tom Brady thing. I suspect that Giselle is rooting for the Saints.

1-0 Commanders over 0-1 Lions. Rooting for all our Commander fan friends.

Sunday 4:00pm

1-0 Seahawks vs 0-1 49ers. Both NFC Teams. You Pick’em

0-1 Falcons over 0-1 Rams. The Rams had their time last year. Matt Ryan is not on the Falcons so we can root for them now.

0-1 Cardinals over 0-1 Raiders. NFC over AFC

0-1 Broncos over 0-0-1 Texans because any team that plays to a tie shouldn’t win another game all season.

0-1 Cowboys over 0-1 Bengals. The Cowboys QB broke his thumb last week so the Bengals may win after looking horrible last week.

Sunday 8:00pm

0-1 Packers over 1-0 Bears. Neither team looked good last week but the Packers need the win since the Bears won last week.

Monday night 7:15pm

0-1 Titans over 1-0 Bills. It’s all about the records–the Bills won last week.

Monday night 8:30pm

1-0 Eagles over 1-0 Vikings. For our Eagle fan friends.

By the way, who scheduled Night games to overlap??!!

Enjoy the games. Football is back and so is the View from 151.

Go Ravens!!!

RARIFIED AIR

You need to look back to 2017 for the last time the Ravens were on a four-game losing streak. this is only the second time under John Harbaugh. It’s been several weeks since my last blog and I felt a tremendous need to reach out to give support to the many of you who are in the same funk that I was in until I realized that the season is still not over. We have a chance of playing in the post season with two games to play, against the 11-4 Rams and 7-7-1 Steelers. Two winnable games, at home, the Rams are only playing for the number one seed in the NFC, the Steeler will be playing for pride and with the thought that this game could be the last time Ben Roethlisberger is on the field looking to be the spoiler by beating the Ravens one last time, Lamar is nursing a bad ankle, Tyre Phillips was put on season ending injured reserve, half the Ravens have COVID, WAIT…..WAIT…’WAIT this was supposed to be a pep-talk about how we can win the last two games and get into the playoffs. Also we need the Dolphins and Raiders to lose since they hold tie breaker against us. All that being said we can do this, win two for the Gipper, leave it all out on the field, take it one game at a time, any given Sunday, and all that sort of stuff. We can do this!

The LA Rams travel three thousand miles to Baltimore this week to face Tyler Huntley (I think) and the Ravens who are on the outside looking into the playoff hunt. This is a must win game just like week one when we lost to the Raiders and week ten when we lost to the Dolphins, who both are ahead of us in the playoff seeding. I have confidence in Tyler Huntley he played well enough to win both of the games against the Browns and Packers. I saw a post with a picture of Tyler all wound up ready to heave the football down the field with the caption “F it Mark Andrews is out there somewhere” and that sums up how we need to play the next two games.

GO RAVENS!!!

Happy New Year everyone!

Remember don’t bet on my picks since they are who we want to win not who we think will win.

No Thursday night game

Sunday 1:00

8-7 RAVENS over 11-4 Rams
The Rams come to Baltimore atop the NFC West one game ahead of the Cardinals. The Rams QB Matt Stafford is the happiest man in football. Since Stafford moved to the Rams this season he has won more games with the Rams than he did in his last three seasons with the Lions. I think Tyler Huntley will start for the Ravens and will need to keep his feet moving away from Rams LB Aaron Donald the NFC defensive player of the month. The Rams WR Cooper Kupp is pretty much unstoppable this does not bode well for our patchwork secondary. But our new rally cry is “F it Mark Andrews is out there somewhere” and when he’s on the field we have a chance to win.

GO RAVENS!!!

8-7 Eagles over 6-9 Washington
Washington needs a better draft spot.

4-11 Jets over 11-4 Buccaneers
I would love to see the Jets beat Tom Brady.

10-5 Titans over 8-7 Dolphins
With a Titans win they clinch the AFC South.

2-13 Jaguars over 9-6 Patriots
Can’t wait to see the look on Belichick’s face if this happens.

9-6 Colts over 8-7 Raiders
This is proof positive that every game in the NFL is a must win. If we had beaten the Raiders in week one we would hold a playoff spot now.

11-4 Chiefs over 9-6 Bengals
Yes, we still have a chance to will the AFC North if we win out and the Bengals lose out.

5-10 Bears over 4-11 Giants
Both teams are fighting for a better draft pick.

7-8 Falcons over 9-6 Bills
We could leapfrog the Bills in the playoff seeding.

Sunday 4:00

4-11 Texans over 8-7 49ers
It’s all about draft positioning.

7-8 Broncos over 8-7 Chargers
This would put the Chargers two game behind us.

7-8 Saints over 5-10 Panthers
Another draft pick spot game.

5-10 Seahawks over 2-11-1 Lions
Another draft pick spot game. As I said before Matt Stafford has won 11 games with the Rams this season while the Lions have only won 10 games in the last three seasons.

11-4 Cowboys over 10-5 Cardinals
The Cowboys will clinch at least the number two seed in the NFC with a win and if the Rams and Buccaneers lose.

Sunday Night 8:00

12-3 Packers over 7-8 Vikings
We should have beaten the Packers.

Monday Night 8:00

7-8 Browns vs 7-7-1 Steelers
I am hoping for a tie.

Enjoy the games while being COVID safe. We can’t afford to lose any Ravens fans.

Happy New Year!

And that’s just The View From 151.

GO RAVENS!!!