Our Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns prediction takes a look at the Week 15 matchup that features a strong AFC North rivalry.
Let’s dive into the current NFL betting odds, key storylines to watch, and make a prediction for the game. Note that all odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook as of Monday, Dec. 12.
Ravens vs. Browns Odds
- Spread
Browns -3 - Moneyline
Browns -155, Ravens +135 - Over/Under
40.5 points
Ravens vs. Browns Prediction
The Ravens were able to pull out the victory last week against their division foe and advance to 9-4, which means that they still hold the slightest of leads over Cincinnati for first place in the AFC North.
The biggest storyline coming into this matchup against Cleveland, though, will be centered around the QB position. Lamar Jackson is projected to be out — potentially — until Week 16 with a sprained PCL. Meanwhile, Tyler Huntley started last week against Pittsburgh but was forced out early due to a concussion.
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This left Anthony Brown, an undrafted rookie free agent who has previously played at both Boston College and Oregon, as the starting QB for a playoff-bound team. Brown was only forced to make five total pass attempts, in which he completed three of them for just 16 yards. But he’ll be asked to do a lot more this next week against Cleveland if Baltimore wants to retain their hold on the division.
The key for the Ravens to win this game, assuming that both Jackson and Huntley will not be able to play on a shorter week, is to put the ball in the hands of J.K. Dobbins. Dobbins made his return this past week and carved up the Steelers’ run defense for 8.0 yards per attempt, 120 yards, and a touchdown.
Against the Browns’ run defense that just allowed Joe Mixon to average 6.9 yards per attempt on 14 carries, Dobbins and Gus Edwards will be the key for the Ravens to win despite being significantly shorthanded.
As for Cleveland, they now fall to 5-8 on the year with a loss last week to the Bengals. The dream of making the AFC playoffs is beginning to fade away, which makes this a crucial matchup for the Browns.
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To have any hope of making a late push and working their way into one of the final playoff spots this season, Cleveland has to win their final remaining four games. This would put them at 9-8 on the season and potentially in a position to secure a Wild Card spot.
In order to be able to accomplish that tall task, Cleveland is going to need more from their offense down the stretch. While Jacoby Brissett had the offense functioning and clicking, the machine has come grinding to a halt with the rust of Deshaun Watson over the past two weeks.
Watson has just 407 total passing yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in his two games since making a return to the NFL field. While it’s important to note that this is to be expected with someone who hasn’t started an NFL game in over 700 days, it’s not enough production to keep this offense in games.
The Ravens are a more favorable matchup on paper than Cincinnati, so this could be a game where Watson starts to shake the rust off and we see flashes of what he was on the field in 2020 and prior. The key to winning this game, against potentially a third-string quarterback, rests primarily on the veteran QB’s shoulders.
If Watson continues to play like he has the last two weeks, Baltimore should be able to advance to 10-4 on the season. But if Watson can get back to form, we could see Cleveland keep their hopes alive of reaching the postseason.
Ravens vs. Browns Score Prediction
Browns 21, Ravens 18
