Hot Finger Louie Week 1 Sports Pick: Broncos 31 - Ravens 24

There is only one thing in the back of Peyton Manning’s mind; the taste of revenge for losing to the Ravens last season playoff game at Mile High Stadium. As the Denver Broncos host the Baltimore Ravens in Thursday night’s super season opener, the majority of fantasy odd makers have Denver as 8.5 favorites over the Ravens.

The two key elements in this game will depend on how well Manning can have success on third down conversions, and if the Broncos can muster up a running game that will confuse the Ravens defense. The acquisition of Wes Welker helps in Peyton Manning’s air attack, and this may be a breakout game for Welker in his first game as a Bronco.

Even though The Ravens no longer have the supporting cast of Anquan Boldin and Ed Reed, Joe Flacco does have some young receiving corps that will make this a closer game than first anticipated by fantasy players. According to six out of eight CBS sports analyst have predicted the Broncos to win.

My prediction analysis leans towards Peyton Manning throwing 4 touchdowns, in comparison to Joe Flacco’s 3 touchdowns. This will be an interesting match up – as Dallas Clark faces his former QB from the glorious Colts era. Both teams have something to prove, but the Broncos want nothing more than to open the season with a win.  

Photo Credit: Jeffrey Beall - Wikimedia Commons