NFL Futures preview and predictions: We’re one month away from the NFL Regular Season, check out our favorite futures
The 2022 NFL season is only one month away, so it’s time to dive into the futures market and find some of the best bets to be made. Needless to say, there is a whole host of wagering opportunities because the NFL futures market is vast. Let’s take a look at just a few of our experts’ favorite plays ahead of the 2022 campaign. Betting Market Best bet for the 2022 NFL season To Make the Playoffs Baltimore Ravens (-165)If you agree with our experts’ best bet or want to wager on another NFL futures line, click this link to claim PointsBet risk free bet promotion. Do you want to bet on NFL futures for the 2022 season?
mlive.comEx-Michigan LB becomes final member of 2022 draft class to sign rookie deal
It took a while, but former Michigan outside linebacker David Ojabo is finally under contract with the Baltimore Ravens. The 2022 second-round selection (No. 45 overall) ended his holdout Tuesday night and inked his rookie deal, becoming the 262nd and final 2022 draft pick to do so. In his first two seasons in Ann Arbor, the Nigeria-born and Scotland-raised pass-rusher had just one tackle in six games. The 6-foot-5 Ojabo is expected to miss the start of the 2022 season because of his Achilles injury.
mlive.comRavens LB Jaylon Ferguson, 26, found dead in Baltimore
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jaylon Ferguson has died, the team announced Wednesday. “We are profoundly saddened by the tragic passing of Jaylon Ferguson,” the team said in a statement posted to social media. Known as “Sack Daddy” at LA Tech, Ferguson holds the FBS record for career sacks with 45. “The LA Tech Family mourns this morning’s tragic news of the sudden death of former Bulldog great, Jaylon Ferguson,” the Louisiana Tech football team tweeted. READ MORE:Former Purdue basketball star Caleb Swanigan dead at 25Former MSU star Adreian Payne shot while unarmed, trying to mediate domestic dispute
mlive.comMichigan’s David Ojabo reunites with familiar faces in Baltimore: ‘It’s meant to be’
Ojabo achieved his NFL dream and will begin his career surrounded by several familiar faces in Baltimore. First-year defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald held the same position at Michigan last season and helped develop Ojabo into an elite pass-rusher. The 6-foot-5, 250-pounder had one career tackle in his first two years in Ann Arbor before breaking out in 2021. It’s meant to be.”Ojabo will go from playing for Jim Harbaugh at Michigan to his brother John in Baltimore. “We don’t have dads who played, uncles who played, friends who played.
mlive.comNew Lions LB Chris Board buying into culture being built in Detroit: It just feels real here
ALLEN PARK -- New Detroit Lions linebacker Chris Board enjoyed a career year with the Baltimore Ravens while developing into a solid contributor with an ever-growing role last season. So, why is the special teams standout and 26-year-old leaving John Harbaugh and the Ravens for the rebuilding Lions? He’s done this while playing at least 300 snaps on special teams in three of his four years in the league. “He’s becoming a really good inside linebacker,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said of Board at one point. Woods earned a start after impressing on special teams after coming over midseason.
mlive.comReport: Michigan to hire Vanderbilt’s Jesse Minter, ex-Ravens assistant, as next DC
Jim Harbaugh has found a new head voice on defense, and he’s another former Baltimore Ravens assistant. Michigan is planning to hire Vanderbilt defensive coordinator and long-time Ravens assistant Jesse Minter as the school’s next defensive coordinator, according to multiple Tuesday afternoon reports. But there’s high expectations for Minter, a Little Rock, Ark., native and the son of former Cincinnati head coach Rick Minter. Macdonald returned to the Ravens last week after one year as defensive coordinator at Michigan, where he overhauled that side and turned it into a top-20 unit nationally. Now it will be up to Minter, the Wolverines’ third defensive coordinator in as many years, to do the same.
mlive.comMichigan DC Mike Macdonald expected to depart for Baltimore Ravens
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Mike Macdonald’s arrival at Michigan came as a surprise to many. Sources with knowledge of Macdonald’s thinking told MLive on Wednesday that he’s headed back to the Baltimore Ravens, this time as the team’s defensive coordinator. On Tuesday night, a report by Mike Preston of The Baltimore Sun identified Macdonald as a favorite for the Ravens’ vacated defensive coordinator position. In a sign that this may have been coming, Macdonald had been off the road recruiting for Michigan in recent days. Macdonald will return to Baltimore, where he began as an intern in 2014 and quickly became a full-time assistant coach.
mlive.comMichigan’s Mike Macdonald emerges as target for Ravens’ DC job
With speculation running rampant about Jim Harbaugh and his future at Michigan, there’s now smoke regarding his first-year defensive coordinator. Mike Macdonald, the 34-year-old architect of the Wolverines’ turnaround on defense, is considered a target for the Baltimore Ravens’ open d-coordinator job, reports Mike Preston of The Baltimore Sun. But, Preston reports, “Keep an eye on Mich. d-coordinator Mike Macdonald and Ravens d-line coach Anthony Weaver as favorites for vacant DC position.”More: Michigan worried Jim Harbaugh might take Raiders job, report saysThe job became open on Friday after Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, the Michigan head coach’s older brother, dismissed long-time defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale. The report comes as various outlets have linked Jim Harbaugh to open NFL jobs, most notably the Las Vegas Raiders. He even made a major staff hire last week, plucking veteran defensive line coach Mike Elston from Notre Dame.
mlive.comRavens' agonizing season ends with another close defeat
The Ravens played shorthanded — and valiantly — before falling 16-13 in overtime to the Pittsburgh Steelers. It was Baltimore's sixth loss in a row, five of which were decided by a total of eight8 points. “Lot of fight in this team, a lot of heart,” defensive lineman Calais Campbell said.
news.yahoo.comPittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens - NFL Week 18 (1/9/22) | Kickoff, How to Watch
Pittsburgh is still in the hunt for a second consecutive playoff berth with wins in three of their last five games. The loss is the Ravens’ fourth-straight defeat, and third without star quarterback Lamar Jackson, who might miss Sunday’s game as well. If Baltimore loses for a fifth consecutive week, it would end their chance at extending their playoff streak, which currently sits at three years. Pittsburgh has the upper hand of the Ravens coming into Sunday, as they won the first matchup early last month in Pittsburgh. What: NFL Football (Week 18)Who: Pittsburgh Steelers (8-7-1) vs. Baltimore Ravens (8-8)When: Sunday, January 9Time: 1:00 p.m.
mlive.comLos Angeles Rams vs. Baltimore Ravens - NFL Week 17 (1/2/22) | Kickoff, How to Watch
In the second-to-last week of the season, two teams fighting for division crowns do battle on the east coast, as the Baltimore Ravens get set to host the Los Angeles Rams. Baltimore comes into Sunday’s clash licking their wounds after being decimated by Joe Burrow’s arm in a 41-21 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Watch the NFL on FuboTV (7-day free trial)Unlike the Ravens, the Rams have already clinched a playoff spot. However this will be the first time the Rams will take on the Ravens with quarterback Matthew Stafford at the helm. What: NFL Football (Week 17)Who: Los Angeles Rams (11-4) vs. Baltimore Ravens (8-7)When: Sunday, January 2Time: 1:00 p.m.
mlive.comAP source: Browns' Mayfield still out, Mullens starting QB
A person familiar with the Cleveland Browns' situation tells The Associated Press that quarterback Baker Mayfield didn't clear COVID-19 testing in time to be activated and play Monday, so third-stringer Nick Mullens will start against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Green Bay Packers vs. Baltimore Ravens - NFL Week 15 (12/19/21) | Kickoff, How to Watch
Watch the NFL on FuboTV (7-day free trial)Baltimore is also a division leader, but not as far ahead as the Packers. After back-to-back losses, the Ravens find themselves at 8-5, just one game ahead of the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals. This will be only the seventh encounter between the two teams since the Ravens came into the league in the mid-90s, with Green Bay winning four of the first six meetings. However, Baltimore did win the last time they took on the Pack, granted that was all the way back in 2017. What: NFL Football (Week 15)Who: Green Bay Packers (10-3) vs. Baltimore Ravens (8-5)When: Sunday, December 19Time: 4:25 p.m.
mlive.comPittsburgh Steelers vs. Minnesota Vikings - NFL Week 14 (12/9/21) | How to Watch, Start Time
Two teams coming off vastly different outcomes last Sunday will meet on Thursday Night Football in an important game for both team’s playoff hopes, as the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare to take on the Minnesota Vikings. The Pittsburgh Steelers get a much-needed win after the Baltimore Ravens go for two instead of a game-tying PAT. This will be the 19th-meeting between the Steelers and Vikings, and first since 2017. What: NFL Football (Week 14)Who: Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5-1) vs. Minnesota Vikings (5-7)When: Thursday, December 9Time: 8:20 p.m. ETWhere: U.S. Bank Stadium (Minneapolis, Minn.)Channel: FOX, NFL NetworkStream: FuboTV (7-day free trial), Sling, DirecTV StreamCheck out the NFL standings and results here
mlive.comWolverines in the NFL: Big games for Tom Brady, Chris Wormley
10 overall pick in 2019, recorded two tackles in a 20-19 win over the Baltimore Ravens. The 2019 third-round pick has 46 tackles and six pass breakups in 2021. 49ers CB Ambry ThomasThe rookie third-round pick recorded three tackles on special teams against the Seahawks. Steelers DL Chris WormleyThe 2017 third-round pick had a career-high 2 ½ sacks in the win over Baltimore. Buy Wolverines gear: Fanatics, Nike, Amazon, LidsBuy Wolverines tickets: StubHub, SeatGeek, TicketmasterStream Wolverines games live: fuboTV, ESPN+, Sling
mlive.comCleveland Browns vs. Baltimore Ravens - NFL Week 12 (11/28/21) | How to Watch, Start Time
With Lamar Jackson out of the lineup last Sunday against the Chicago Bears, Tyler Huntley had to step in. Watch the NFL on FuboTV (7-day free trial)The Browns pulled out a gutsy win last week to get back above the .500-mark, eking out a 13-10 win over the still-winless Detroit Lions. Baker Mayfield was able to throw a touchdown pass in the win, despite throwing a pair of interceptions. What: NFL Football (Week 12)Who: Cleveland Browns (6-5) vs. Baltimore Ravens (7-3)When: Sunday, November 28Time: 8:20 p.m. Channel: NBCStream: FuboTV (7-day free trial), Sling, DirecTV StreamCheck out the NFL standings and results here
mlive.comLooking ahead: Chicago Bears expected to start QB Andy Dalton against Lions on Thanksgiving
Lions quarterback Jared Goff (oblique) missed last week’s loss against the Cleveland Browns, with Tim Boyle getting his first crack at starting in the league. Bears quarterback Justin Fields (ribs) left last week’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens, with veteran Andy Dalton finishing the game. The NFL Network reports Dalton is expected to start on Thanksgiving, with the turnaround for Fields and his ribs being too quick. Series history: The Bears lead the all-time series 103-75-5, winning six of the last seven against the Lions. See below for the five most recent results:2021 -- Bears 24, Lions 14 (Week 4 in Chicago)2020 -- Lions 34, Bears 302020 -- Bears 27, Lions 232019 -- Bears 24, Lions 20 (Thanksgiving)2019 -- Bears 20, Lions 13
mlive.comBaltimore Ravens vs. Chicago Bears - NFL Week 11 (11/21/21) | How to Watch, Start Time
RaidersOn Sunday, fans in the Windy City could be treated to an interesting interconference matchup featuring two dynamic quarterbacks, as Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens head west to take on the Chicago Bears, and their rookie quarterback Justin Fields. After getting hammered by the Cincinnati Bengals in week six, Baltimore neeed another Justin Tucker field goal to get them past the Minnesota Vikings. After a respectable 3-2 start to the season, Chicago has stumbled since then with a mixture of offensive inefficiency and lack of timely defense, causing the “Monsters of the Midway” to lose four-straight. What: NFL Football (Week 11)Who: Baltimore Ravens (6-3) vs. Chicago Bears (3-6)When: Sunday, November 21Time: 1:00 p.m. ETWhere: Soldier Field (Chicago, Ill.)Channel: CBSStream: FuboTV (7-day free trial), Sling, Paramount+Check out the NFL standings and results on NFL.com
mlive.comCincinnati Bengals vs. Las Vegas Raiders - NFL Week 11 (11/21/21) | How to Watch, Start Time
The Bengals were seemingly on their way to grabbing the top spot in the AFC North after knocking off the leading Baltimore Ravens big-time in week seven. Las Vegas is sitting in a simlar boat compared to the Benglas. The losses have also put Las Vegas at 5-4, and also sit in third in the AFC West. The Raiders have the historical edge over the Bengals, winning 21 of the first 32 meetings, including the last matchup during the 2019 season. What: NFL Football (Week 11)Who: Cincinnati Bengals (5-4) vs. Las Vegas Raiders (5-4)When: Sunday, November 21Time: 4:05 p.m.
mlive.comSpartans in the NFL: Naquan Jones records first start, notches first sack
That included going 4-for-5 on the Vikings’ final drive of the game that allowed them to eventually run out the clock. Naquan Jones, DT, Tennessee TitansJones recorded his first career sack when he got to the Saints’ Trevor Siemian in the first quarter of the Titans’ win on Sunday. The undrafted free agent made his first career start at defensive tackle in his seventh career game and played 29 defensive snaps. Justin Layne, CB, Pittsburgh SteelersLayne saw one defensive snap and 23 special teams plays with one tackle in the Steelers’ tie against the Lions on Sunday. Josiah Scott, CB, Philadelphia EaglesScott got on the field for 11 special teams plays in the Eagles’ 30-13 win over the Denver Broncos.
mlive.comA stunner: Miami wins 2nd straight, tops Ravens 22-10
Xavien Howard forced a fumble and returned it 49 yards for a touchdown, Tua Tagovailoa came off the bench and capped his night with a 1-yard sneak for a score with 2:19 left and the Miami Dolphins stunned the Baltimore Ravens 22-10 on Thursday night.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Miami Dolphins - NFL Week 10 (11/11/21) | How to Watch, Start Time
On Thursday Night Football, the Baltimore Ravens look to further their lead in the AFC North, as they get set to take on the Miami Dolphins, who look to stay on the winning side of things, in the Sunshine State. The Ravens are coming off quite the exciting affair last Sunday when they hosted the Minnesota Vikings. The Ravens have handled the Dolphins since their first meeting in 1997, winning 10 of the first 16 matchups. What: NFL Football (Week 10)Who: Miami Dolphins (2-7) vs. Baltimore Ravens (6-2)When: Thursday, November 11Time: 8:20 p.m. Channel: NFL Network, FOXStream: FuboTV (7-day free trial), Sling, DirecTV StreamCheck out the NFL standings and results here
mlive.comSpartans in the NFL: Kenny Willekes makes big impact in second career game
Joe Bachie, Cincinnati BengalsBachie played on 19 special teams plays and didn’t record a statistic in the Bengals’ 41-16 loss to the Browns. The game marked his second straight throwing for less than 200 yards and his 17 completions marked a season-low. Naquan Jones, DT, Tennessee TitansJones recorded two tackles while playing on 16 defensive plays and four special teams plays in the Titans’ win over the Rams. He has seven tackles this year while playing nearly entirely on special teams. Kenny Willekes, DE, Minnesota VikingsIt didn’t take Kenny Willekes long to get the hang of playing in the NFL.
mlive.comMinnesota Vikings vs. Baltimore Ravens - NFL Week 9 (11/7/21) | How to Watch, Start Time
While there was plenty of off-the-field controvesry surrounding them heading into the season, the Ravens have done just fine so far on the field. Watch the NFL on FuboTV (7-day free trial)The Vikings are meddling around in what is shaping up to be a very spread out NFC North. They too are coming off a loss, as they fell in hard-fought 20-16 battle with the Dallas Cowboys last Sunday night. What: NFL Football (Week 9)When: Sunday, November 7Time: 1:00 p.m. Channel: FOXStream: FuboTV (7-day free trial), Sling, DirecTV StreamCheck out the NFL standings and results on NFL.com
mlive.comSpartans in the NFL: Malik McDowell continues to impress in comeback season
Joe Bachie, Cincinnati BengalsBachie played 20 specials teams plays while making one tackle in his third game of the season since getting called up from the practice squad. Andrew Dowell, LB, New Orleans SaintsDowell played on 23 special teams plays as the Saints beat the defending Super Bowl champion Buccaneers, 36-27. William Gholston, DL, Tampa Bay BuccaneersGholston played 42 defensive snaps without recording a statistic in the Buccaneers’ loss to the Saints. He made three tackles while playing 16 defensive plays and 13 special teams plays, marking the first time this year that Scott has gotten time with the Eagles’ defense since returning from injury. Cody White, WR, Pittsburgh SteelersWhite saw action on just three special teams plays in the Steelers’ win over the Browns.
mlive.comSpartans in the NFL: Le’Veon Bell finds the end zone for the first time since 2019
Le’Veon Bell, Baltimore RavensBell scored his first touchdown since 2019, when he scored from two yards out early in the second quarter in Baltimore’s 34-6 win over the Chargers. Bell had eight carries for 18 yards, marking his largest workload since he joined the Ravens this season. Justin Layne, CB, Pittsburgh SteelersLayne played 21 special teams snaps in the Steelers’ overtime win over the Seahawks, recording one tackle. Malik McDowell, DT, Cleveland BrownsMcDowell recorded two total tackles, one of which was a tackle for loss, in the Browns’ loss to the Cardinals. Josiah Scott, CB, Philadelphia EaglesScott played on 14 special teams plays in the Eagles’ Thursday night loss to the Buccaneers.
mlive.comIndianapolis Colts vs. Baltimore Ravens - NFL Week 5 (10/11/21) | How to Watch, Start Time
In already their third primetime game of the season the surging Baltimore Ravens look to continue their winning ways when they take on rebuilding Indianapolis Colts team coming off their first win on Monday Night Football. Baltimore QB Lamar Jackson was dominant through the air, throwing for 316 yards and a touchdown in the win. Watch the NFL on FuboTV (7-day free trial)The Colts are a team looking to start a new this season with a veteran quarterback. Since their first meeting in 1996, when the original Cleveland Browns moved to Baltimore, the Colts have won 10 of the first 16 all-time meetings. What: NFL Football (Week 5)Who: Indianapolis Colts (1-3) vs. Baltimore Ravens (3-1)When: Monday, October 11Time: 8:15 p.m.
mlive.comDetroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears (10/3/21) - NFL Week 4 | How to Watch, Start Time
It has been a week, but the Lions’ 19-17 loss the Baltimore Ravens is still mind-boggling to some fans, especially how it ended. After losing as a result of a record-breaking Justin Tucker field goal, the Lions are now 0-3 heading into their second divisional game of the season with Chicago. The Bears have gone 102-75-5 all-time against Detroit, while the teams split the regular season series in 2020. What: NFL Football (Week 4)Who: Detroit Lions (0-3) vs. Chicago Bears (1-2)When: Sunday, October 3Time: 1:00 p.m. ETWhere: Soldier Field (Chicago, Ill.)Channel: FOXStream: FuboTV (7-day free trial), Sling, Paramount+Check out the NFL standings and results on NFL.com
mlive.com‘I’m so over it:’ NFL not apologizing to Detroit Lions for no-call on delay of game
The Lions took a late 17-16 lead on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens, but had to hold for another 68 seconds. But there was confusion, and the ball wasn’t snapped until the play clock was already dead. But based on a careful viewing of the CBS broadcast, the play clock was dead for about 1.77 seconds before that ball was snapped. So while delay of game is a judgment call, it seems obvious what the judgment should have been in this case. Yeah, there is, just because of the human element of play clock down to snap, that’s for sure,” former NFL referee Gene Steratore said on the CBS broadcast.
mlive.comMichigan’s Jim Harbaugh on Ravens-Lions finish: ‘One for the ages’
ANN ARBOR – Like many in Michigan, Wolverines football coach Jim Harbaugh was tuned into Sunday’s Detroit Lions-Baltimore Ravens game at Ford Field. And like most, Harbaugh, the brother of Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, was astounded by the ending. “It was the incredible,” Jim Harbaugh told reporters outside Schembechler Hall on Monday afternoon. With his connection with John Harbaugh and adding two former Ravens assistants to his staff this offseason in Mike Macdonald and Matt Weiss, Jim Harbaugh said there are a lot of parallels between the two organizations. “Quite a bit, really,” Harbaugh said Sept. 20.
mlive.com3 things we learned: Lions’ defensive adjustments show promising results against Baltimore
DETROIT -- The Lions lost a third straight game to open the season, this one by a 19-17 score on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens at Ford Field. The adjustments at linebacker, where Detroit is moving on from Jamie Collins, paid immediate dividends. And yes, with an opportunity to win the game on fourth-and-long in the final seconds, the Lions blew it. The Lions’ offense stagnated late in Green Bay and early against Baltimore, leading to four quarters and more than 70 minutes without a point. Detroit made a conscious effort to get Swift more involved coming out of halftime, and voila, good things started happening.
mlive.comLions grades: Defense delivers strong showing on third down while passing attack sputters in Week 3 loss
(Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)Mike Mulholland | MLive.comRunning backs: Once again, there isn’t much blame to go around for the running backs. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)Mike Mulholland | MLive.comOffensive line: Some blame for Jared Goff’s rough first half undoubtedly falls on the offensive line. Goff had been sacked twice while the running game couldn’t get in a groove while facing third down after third down. The running game continued to enjoy some solid lanes through the trenches, though, with Swift and Williams each scoring touchdowns with 40-plus yards rushing. There was consistent pressure and outside of some miscommunication on Jackson’s 31-yard dash, the Lions kept Baltimore’s unrelenting running game in check.
mlive.comWelcome to Detroit, where we watch some of the most indescribable football you’ve ever seen in your life
Only the Detroit Lions. Only the Detroit Lions. Welcome to Detroit, coach. And we watch some of the most indescribable football you’ve ever seen in your life. And we watch some of the most indescribable football you’ve ever seen in your life.
mlive.comInside the locker room: Lamar Jackson thankful for breather, new fourth-down play after late Lions timeout
He went to another play, and that’s what helped us get that field goal drive going,” Jackson said after the game. Jackson finished 16 of 31 passing for 287 yards with one touchdown and interception apiece, adding 58 yards rushing on seven attempts. Lions coach Dan Campbell said there were some communication errors on the field, pointing to more “growing pains” for their young defense. A bunch of guys call throw it to you, ‘Ah, run this route.’ I said to Greg, ‘Call the play you want.’ Greg had a play, he said ‘This play could really hit. That’s all I care about is we know we can play with anybody and we can come out and win.
mlive.comWhat’s being said nationally after Detroit Lions lose at the buzzer on longest kick in league history
DETROIT -- The Detroit Lions lost heartbreakingly to the Baltimore Ravens, with Justin Tucker’s NFL record 66-yard field goal spoiling the team’s frantic comeback attempt at the buzzer. Jackson hit receiver Sammy Watkins for 38 yards, rushed to the ball to clock it, then threw another away before the record-setting field goal bounced off the upright and found its way through for the winning points. Related: Instant observations: Detroit Lions lose on NFL-record field goal that bounces over crossbar | Baltimore Ravens hit NFL record 66-yard field goal at buzzer to beat Detroit Lions 19-17: Live updates recapJackson completed 16 of 31 passes for 287 yards with one touchdown and one interception, adding 58 yards rushing. Lions running backs D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams each topped 40 yards with a touchdown. The Lions move to 0-3 on the season with the loss while the Ravens get back above .500 with the win.
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