Quarterbacks looking for passing grades

At least that’s who BetUs.com has its odds on, putting the incumbent at 1-to-2 odds to win the starting job.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh anointed Boller the starter for the team’s preseason opener on Thursday night at 7:30 at New England, but said Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith and rookie Joe Flacco will play in the second half.

Smith, who guided the team to a 27-21 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in last year’s final game, is listed at 3-to-1 to win the starting job, with Flacco close behind at 4-to-1. Boller, who was drafted by the Ravens 19th overall in 2003, is the last rookie quarterback to start his first game.

Miami, the New York Jets, Arizona, Atlanta and San Francisco also have open quarterback competitions. In Miami, Josh McCown, who played receiver for the Detroit Lions, is currently No. 1 on the depth chart and has even odds, while second-year player John Beck is listed at 3-to-1 and rookie Chad Henne is 3-to-2.

In New York, incumbent Chad Pennington struggled to lead a popgun offense last season, but still is a 1-to-3 favorite over former Oregon standout Kellen Clemens, who has 3-to-1 odds after playing even worse.

In Arizona, former Southern Cal star Matt Leinhart, who missed a large chunk of last season due to injury, has 1-to-3 odds to earn back his starting job from veteran Kurt Warner, who is listed at 5-to-2 to lead the Cardinals on opening weekend.

Atlanta’s Joey Harrington has even odds to be named the team’s starter despite his struggles last season, and former Raven Chris Redman is given 3-to-2 odds. Matt Ryan, the team’s top draft choice, is listed at 3-to-1 odds to be the starter. Michael Vick is not listed.

Finally in San Francisco, former No. 1 overall draft pick Alex Smith, who missed most of last season with a shoulder injury, is an overwhelming favorite with 1-to-4 odds, with former Terrapin Shaun Hill listed at 3-to-1. J.T. O’Sullivan is a long shot at 5-to-1.

dcarey@baltimoreexaminer.com