On the day the NFL started the season in Tampa, the Baltimore Ravens got more bad news ahead of their opener. Weeks after losing starting running back JK Dobbins to a knee injury, the Ravens lost backup Gus Edwards to a season-ending injury as well. Cornerback Marcus Peters also suffered an ACL injury in practice leaving the veteran-laden Ravens scrambling just three days before they open the 2021 season.
After the Dobbins injury, the Ravens brought in veteran free agent running back Le’Veon Bell. They also have Tay’Son Williams, who was a fourth-stringer just two weeks ago and is now in line to start the opener at Las Vegas. Justice Hill tore his Achilles tendon last week, so the Ravens have now lost three running backs in two weeks.
Williams was on the practice team last year and has never had an NFL carry. Bell is currently on the practice squad after joining the Ravens Wednesday, and Trenton Cannon was also signed this week. The Ravens now plan to add another veteran free agent in Devonta Freeman, who played for the NY Giants last year before being injured.
Baltimore has led the NFL in rushing each of the last two seasons, with quarterback Lamar Jackson playing a large role in that feat. He will have even more pressure in 2021 without a feature back to share the load.
The Ravens start the season Monday night at the Las Vegas Raiders on ESPN. They are -3.5, and the game has a total of 50 points. Baltimore is the AFC North favorite at +110; they are +600 to win the AFC and +1200 to win the Super Bowl.
Watt Inks Extension in Pittsburgh
According to multiple reports, the Pittsburgh Steelers and star linebacker T.J. Watt have agreed to a four-year contract extension worth $112 million. Watt will get $80 million guaranteed in the deal after not playing in the preseason while he waited for a new deal. Watt announced the deal on his social media after his agents suggested asking for more money.
Watt is now the highest-paid defensive player in the league by yearly average, surpassing the deal Joey Bosa signed with San Francisco last year. He joins brother J.J. as the second Watt to sign a deal worth at least $100 million.
Last year Watt had 15 sacks with 53 tackles, two forced fumbles, and an interception as he finished second to Aaron Donald in the Defensive Player of the Year voting. The 2020 season was his this straight with at least ten sacks, and he has 16 forced fumbles in that span.
After finishing third and second the last two seasons, Watt is +800 to win the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 2021. He has the third-best odds to start the season behind Donald (+500) and Myles Garrett (+600).
The Steelers open the season Sunday afternoon +6.5 at Buffalo, and the game has a total of 48.5. Pittsburgh is +500 to win the AFC North and +2500 to win the AFC.