7* Saturday NFL BAL/DEN

Baltimore vs. Denver, 01/12/2013 16:30 EDT, Score: 38 - 35

Point Spread: -8½/-108 Denver

Sportsbook: 5Dimes

Result: Loss

Broncos -8.5

The Denver Broncos host the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs on Saturday. These teams met on in Week 15, with Denver claiming a 34-17 decision.

Peyton Manning lost his first two career games against the Ravens. Since then, he’s beaten them nine times in a row, including twice in the playoffs, with an average margin of victory of 14 points in those games. Manning threw for 20 touchdowns compared to eight interceptions in those meetings.

In his last five games against Baltimore, his team has put up 28.6 points per contest. This year’s edition of the Raven defense hasn’t lived up to past versions, so Manning should be able to impose his will against them.

Denver’s defense was one of the more imposing units in the league this season, with great cover cornerbacks and an imposing pass-rush, led by Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller, that was tied for the league lead in sacks. They should give Joe Flacco plenty of trouble.

Ray Lewis’s retirement announcement gave a big boost to the Ravens for last week’s game against Indianapolis, but it sure looked like the team left a lot on the field last week. The home-road splits for the Ravens slant heavily in favor of their play at home.

Under John Harbaugh, the team is at 33-7 at M&T Bank Stadium, compared to 21-19 on the road. In four all-time road games against Peyton Manning, the Ravens have allowed him to throw for seven touchdowns and two interceptions.

The Broncos are 6-1 ATS this season when favored by 9 or fewer points, and are 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall. Take Denver.

7* Play on Denver Broncos -8.5