The Baltimore Ravens bring an 18 game preseason winning streak against former XFL star P.J. Walker and the Carolina Panthers. Will the Ravens extend their somewhat fluky, yet historic winning streak? It’s time to continue our NFL odds series and make a Ravens-Panthers prediction and pick.

While the Ravens will feature two quarterbacks fighting for the backup spot that each got limited NFL action in 2020, the Panthers will primarily have under center the former XFL great for the Los Angeles Wildcats. P.J. Walker signed with the Panthers after the XFL folded operations. The Ravens are expected to be one of the NFL's best teams again this season, while the Panthers should contend for a Wild Card spot too. A fresh start for Sam Darnold might do wonders for his ability as a quarterback, although Darnold won't play much of a role in this preseason game, if he gets in the game at all.

Here’s how the bookmakers have set the Ravens-Panthers odds and lines for Saturday's matchup.

NFL Odds: Ravens-Panthers Odds

Baltimore Ravens (-170)

Carolina Panthers (+150)

 

Over 35 points (-115)

Under 35 points (-105)

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Why The Ravens Could Win

Both Trace McSorley and Tyler Huntley both played in significant NFL action in 2020. McSorley made a name for himself replacing Lamar Jackson in the Ravens Wednesday afternoon game vs. the Steelers. Huntley made a playoff appearance in the Ravens loss to the Bills, entering the game when Lamar Jackson was injured. Both have great potential if they were to earn the backup quarterback role this season. Tyler Huntley had the much better quarterback rating in Week 1 (85.2 compared to McSorley's 49.8), but that's likely because of the one interception that McSorley threw. Each quarterback had similar completion, attempts, and yards thrown for numbers. Assuming they both get roughly equal playing time again, they both are capable of manning the QB position and leading the Ravens to victory. Their NFL experience, while limited, still does mean something in a game like this when they're continuing to develop as professionals.

Also, just to reiterate, the Ravens have won an astounding 18 consecutive preseason games. They haven't lost in the preseason since 2016. That's incredible. If you're betting on preseason NFL games, the Baltimore Ravens are your best bet, regardless of opponent.

Why The Panthers Could Win

P.J. Walker was the most notable player to go from XFL football to NFL football, being picked up by the Panthers to man the backup QB role. While Sam Darnold was acquired in the offseason, his status as starter is already set for the regular season. But Walker has much to prove as he is still very new to the NFL game. Last week, he completed just 10 of 21 passes, although he did throw a touchdown as well. He's a raw prospect and has much to learn, but the Panthers signed him for a reason. He has a ton of potential. Expect him to learn from those mistakes he made in Week 1 and really step up to show the Panthers coaching staff that he deserves that backup position. It's also unlikely he'll throw for an under 50% completion percentage again.

If any team is going to spoil the Ravens winning streak, it's a quarterback like Walker, who is new to the NFL but is so stranger to drama on the football field from his team in the XFL. If Walker can pull off the “upset” victory here, it will mean more than the typical preseason victory. He's an ideal candidate to take down the Ravens for the first time in five years.

If Sam Darnold struggles as he did with the Jets, maybe Walker even steps into the starters role later this regular season. A dominant outing versus the Ravens would not hurt his case.

Final Ravens-Panthers Prediction & Pick

Given that the NFL preseason rarely has any notable trends, I'm not passing up the most significant preseason trend I've ever seen in any sport.

The Ravens insane preseason winning streak is more than enough reason to back the Ravens moneyline here. Plus, McSorley might have another touchdown in his pocket to bring back great memories of his brief dominance against the Steelers from 2020.

FINAL PICK: Ravens MONEYLINE (-170)