Baltimore Ravens

With Steve McNair sidelined for at least the next 2-3 weeks with a non-throwing shoulder injury, Kyle Boller gets the chance to prove he should be the quarterback of the future - again! Each time he's had an extended look, the Ravens have looked elsewhere. McNair was brought in to replace Boller and now the fans (including me) have been clamoring for Boller to replace the aging and obviously ineffective McNair for weeks now. Boller injects a youthful enthusiasm into the huddle and presents a tougher challenge for the defense as he is actually willing and able to throw the ball downfield. Accuracy is another topic, but at this time I'll take his combination of health and strength over McNair's heart and battered body anytime. Besides, you don't really believe all this "phantom" injury BS anyway, do you?

With Boller taking the reps in practice as the starting QB, the backup slot goes to the rookie Heisman Trophy winner from Ohio State, Troy Smith. Smith is now one big hit on Boller away from playing in the NFL. The secret here in Baltimore is that Billick may use Smith in "special" situations (aka "Slash") to get him the feel of the fast pace of the NFL game. If Boller falters in any way, look for Smith to get his first taste of what it takes to succeed in the league.

I may live in a fantasy world, but firmly believe that with Boller at QB, the Ravens not only stand a better chance of beating the Cleveland Browns this weekend, but am actually picking them to win in an upset. Yes, the Ravens are 3-point underdogs to the Cleveland Browns at home! What is this world coming to? Have we hit rock bottom? No, that would be the sound you hear after former Ravens and current Brown QB Derek Anderson burns the Ravens secondary and leads the Browns to a convincing victory in Baltimore's home crib.

However, believe it or not, that just won't happen this Sunday. You heard it here first.

Ravens: 23-13

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