The Cleveland Browns head to Baltimore to take on the Ravens in a game that could have major implications in the AFC North race.
The Browns have lost three consecutive games, including last weekend’s 38-15 blowout loss at home against New England. The disappointing part of that game for the Browns was they couldn’t do anything on the ground, as Nick Chubb had only 56 yards rushing. As bad as the rushing attack was, the defense of the Browns was equally as bad, as they let the Patriots throw for 309 yards and two touchdowns.
The Ravens enter this game with a 3-3 record, but all their losses have come by 10 total points, including last week’s brutal 24-20 loss to the Giants. The Ravens were leading when a bad snap on a shotgun play gave New York the ball in great field position. In fact, the Ravens have led in the fourth quarter in all three of their losses.
Caesars Sportsbook has listed the Ravens as a 6.5-point favorite with an over/under of 45.5.
Let’s take a closer look at the odds and trends:
Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens
Time/TV: 1 p.m. ET Sunday, CBS
Point spread (from Caesars Sportsbook): Baltimore -6.5
Money line: Cleveland +228, Baltimore -285
Over/under: 45.5
Analysis: For the first few weeks of the season, Browns quarterback Jacoby Brissett did a good job of limiting mistakes and playing smart, solid football. Last week was his toughest game of the year, as he completed only 45.7% of his passes, with a QBR of 18.5 and was sacked four times. Defenses are loading the box to stop Nick Chubb, so Brissett is going to have to make some plays passing or they will just stay focused on the run.
Even though the Ravens are only 3-3, they have proven they can play with anybody. In the loss to the Bills, they were up 20-3 before losing late. Despite an injury to J.K. Dobbins, the Ravens can still run the ball. Running back Kenyan Drake rushed for 119 yards and a touchdown against the Giants, and he did this on only 10 carries.
This is a huge game, as the AFC North may be the most wide-open division in all of the NFL. None of the teams have a winning percentage over .500, and all four teams are within one game. Baltimore must start finishing games if it is to be looked at as a true contender. The Ravens will start that Sunday with a dominating win against the Browns.
Prediction: Baltimore 35, Cleveland 21
