[ProInfoSports]

Thursday NFLX Selection

5:00 PM PT/8:00 PM ET

Opinion Selection (1% of Bankroll)

BALTIMORE -3 over Philadelphia

Two teams with serious playoff aspirations for the upcoming season meet up on Thursday night, when the Ravens host the Eagles. Both squads are seeking to rebound from disappointing 6-10 seasons, and both have shown positive signs in the preseason.

Baltimore lost 17-16 to the New York Giants in their preseason opener last Friday, but solid play from new starting QB Steve McNair. Philadelphia, meanwhile, evened their preseason record at 1-1 last Thursday, downing Cleveland, 20-7, with another strong showing from Donovan McNabb and the first-string offense.

McNair is expected to see increased action for the Ravens Thursday, before yielding to backup Kyle Boller. Boller also played well against the Giants. In the backfield, Jamal Lewis looked like the beast of old, rushing six times for 34 yards. Linebacker Ray Lewis, who was absent against the Giants, is also expected to be in uniform on Thursday and will have his troops fired up.

The Eagles will also feature a solid QB rotation with Donovan McNabb and Jeff Garcia. Running back Brian Westbrook is not expected to see any time in the game, while Correll Buckhalter could see his first action of the preseason. WR Todd Pinkston practiced and Reid said "there's a chance" the receiver could participate in his first game since Super Bowl XXXIX on Thursday.

Speaking of Super Bowls, it appears McNabb and his teammates are more focused on talking about getting back there than the Ravens at the moment. "I feel great just communicating with the guys and seeing good results: first-downs, touchdowns, a big block, whatever it may be," McNabb said. "We're out here smiling, cracking jokes. Everybody is healthy and everybody is kind of looking forward to a great season. We are anticipating the opportunity of getting started."

"I think we get back to the form we were at, we can change 6-10 to possibly 13-3, or 14-2, possibly," McNabb said. "I would love to say 16-0, but we can get back to that winning season. I think it is possible. I don't think it's out of reach."

"Obviously, last year felt different," safety Brian Dawkins said. "You can throw that one out. But every other year besides that one felt the same as I'm feeling right now. We have a chance to do something and take ourselves deep into the playoffs and, hopefully, win out. We take one game at a time, and that approach is always the key to success, but that's the big picture we're thinking about."

The Eagles players were lauded throughout the camp by coach Andy Reid for their hard work and have now been released from the training camp site, which lends it itself to a “out of school” atmosphere for the players. Philadelphia obviously feels good about their preseason work and is ready for the regular season. That may all be true, but it won’t help them focus in on the task at hand. This is why we look to play AGAINST a team relaxed off a win and not concerned about another victory.

While Baltimore was pleased with the showing McNair put in last week, they aren’t nearly as satisfied with their preseason showing and are still looking to make some strides. McNair also figures to get plenty of time on the field, as he is still getting comfortable with his new team and playbook.

In looking at some pertinent numbers, we note that Eagles are 1-6 ATS over the last decade off a home NFLX victory, including 0-4 ATS off a home game under Andy Reid. Meanwhile, the Ravens are 4-0 ATS off a home SU loss in the preseason under Bill Billick.

We released the Eagles as a free winner last week, due in part to their desire for a strong preseason showing and the fact that they were playing their 2nd exhibition game, while their opponent was playing its first. Now, Philadelphia feels they have accomplished what they set out to do in camp, so a let down can be expected. In addition, while teams in their 2nd game have an edge against those playing their first, the edge is lost in their next outing. NFLX teams playing their 3rd game and satisfied off a win, are 9-20 ATS vs. opponents playing their 2nd game of the preseason.

We expect the Ravens to be the more motivated and hungrier team for this contest and to continue attacking in 2nd half, while Eagles play to survive the rest of game after their starters get off the field in the first half.