The Browns visit the Ravens in the regular season finale for both teams and this matchup features the largest point spread of the Week 18 schedule as the Ravens are listed as 17.5 point home favorites. A win for the Ravens would clinch them the AFC North championship, while the Browns are simply looking for this season to come to an end.
Ravens Big Favorites to Secure Division
The Ravens absolutely dominated the Texans on Christmas Day to move with a win of clinching the AFC North. Quarterback Lamar Jackson still has a shot of winning the MVP as he’s caught fire down the stretch, and could catch Bills Josh Allen. He’ll look to make a statement against the Browns but the big question will be how long will he remain in the game? The key for Baltimore is not overlooking the Browns. While they have struggled losing five straight, Cleveland still has a very good pass rush. As long as Jackson is given mild protection, they shouldn’t have much trouble getting the win and taking the division. Derrick Henry, coming off two straight 100-yard games, is chasing history, trying to reach the 2000-yard club. But he’s 217 yards off the mark, and if the Ravens are up big, they will likely rest their star back.
Browns Chase High Draft Pick
The Browns have lost 5 straight and seven of the last eight are still alive to get the first overall pick, if the Titans, Patriots, and Giants win, while Cleveland loses its final game. This line is massive but in the last two weeks, the Browns have been outscored 44-9, a difference of 35 points or 17.5 points per game. Additionally, there is a chance the Browns go back to Jameis Winston but leaving Dorian Thompson-Robinson means a better chance to chase that top overall pick. The Browns have scored just 16 points in the last three games, and against the best run defense in the league, means DTR may have to throw the ball often, which isn’t a good sign considering he has zero touchdowns, and 4 interceptions in his last three games. This could be ugly for the Browns but a top-5 pick awaits, possibly first overall.
Best Bet Prediction: Under 42
The spread in this game is massive, making it tough to take a side as we could see starters benched at some point in this game. The Ravens should comfortably win this and with the Browns inability to score, the under makes perfect sense here.
Prop Bet Play: UNDER Browns Total Points
Whatever number you find later in the week, take the under. The Browns can’t score and are just running out the season trying to secure a high pick. Baltimore’s defense has been coming on of late, including holding a good Texans offense to just 2 points last week. Cleveland likely doesn’t hit double digits, and could be hard pressed to even score a touchdown.
Props have yet to be released at time of writing, but check website for latest odds
Game Betting Odds
Browns +17.5
Ravens -17.5
Total: 42
Moneyline: Cleveland +1000, Baltimore -2000
Recent Betting Trends
Cleveland is 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland’s last 5 games
Browns are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games
Cleveland is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games against Baltimore
Baltimore is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games
Ravens are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games at home
Baltimore is 13-3 SU in their last 16 games when playing at home against Cleveland
Ravens are 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games when playing as the favorite
