Week 14 will showcase this AFC North matchup. The Baltimore Ravens face the Cleveland Browns in what should be a thriller. It's time to continue our NFL odds series with a Ravens-Browns prediction and pick based on Ravens Browns odds.
The Baltimore Ravens are coming off a tough 20-19 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. They will be facing the Browns for the second time in three weeks. Baltimore won the first game 16-10 in what was not a great game to watch. In fact, Baltimore hasn't scored more than 19 points in five of their last six games. The offense has fallen apart and the defense is losing key players. It was just announced on Monday that starting cornerback Marlon Humphrey will miss the rest of the season with a torn pectoral muscle. That is now both of their starting corners out for the year (Marcus Peters). The Ravens are still 8-4 and lead the AFC North Division, but the tide might be turning the wrong direction.
For more insight on the Ravens-Browns matchup in Week 14, listen below:
Much like the Ravens, the Browns' offense is not playing well at all. They haven't scored more than 13 points in their last three games. They are fresh off of a bye week and their last game was against the Ravens where they lost 16-10. You don't usually see a team play the same opponent twice in a row. The good news for the Browns is that they have had until November 21 to prepare for only the Ravens. We are now a week into December. The Browns are 6-6 and are in the playoff hunt.
Here is how FanDuel set the Ravens-Browns odds for this Week 14 NFL matchup.
NFL Odds: Ravens-Browns Odds
Baltimore Ravens: +2.5 (+100)
Cleveland Browns: -2.5 (-122)
Over: 42.5 (-110)
Under: 42.5 (-110)
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Article Continues BelowWhy The Ravens Could Cover The Spread
What is interesting about this game is that both teams are 5-7 against the spread this season. Both sides are missing a ton of crucial players and so it's difficult to really get an idea on who to bet on. These are two very good football teams, they just haven't been playing well lately. If the Ravens are to cover this spread then they will need a bounceback game from Lamar Jackson. They desperately need him to return to his MVP self because without it, their offense struggles.
Both sides of the ball are missing key players and will need to rely on the depth to keep their playoff hopes alive. Baltimore is in no position to lose out on the playoffs just yet, but if they keep playing as they have been they could lose it fast. The biggest issue is that the Browns have had 3 weeks to really prepare for the Ravens. Baltimore will need to showcase a different game plan if they want a chance to win this game.
Why The Browns Could Cover The Spread
The Browns believe it for not are in a great position to cover this spread. They are well-rested and that is great news for QB Baker Mayfield. Mayfield desperately wants his shoulder to heal and having a week off will benefit him. Mayfield will need to take advantage of the banged-up Ravens' secondary and get the passing game going. That should also free up the run game and get Nick Chubb back on track. If the Browns offense is rolling then Chubb would be a major factor in it. He's 133 yards away from 1000 on the season and this is a great opportunity to surpass it.
The Browns defense is still playing very well, besides the New England Patriots game. They should do a decent enough job containing Jackson and if they do so they will win. They need to take advantage of Jackson's poor play over the last few weeks. The Browns need this win to get back over .500 and put themselves within a game of the playoffs and division lead.
Final Ravens-Browns Prediction & Pick
Because the Browns are at home, I am taking them to cover this spread and win. The Ravens are banged up on both sides of the ball and I think the Browns will take advantage of that coming off a bye week. Look to see the Browns try and control the time of possession by trying to run it down their throats. With how poorly each offense has played lately, I would also consider taking the under in this game as well.
Final Ravens-Browns prediction & pick: Browns -2.5 (-122) & Under: 42.5 (-110)