Week 14 Baltimore Ravens vs Cleveland Browns Betting Odds, Predictions, Props, Lines & Picks
The crucial AFC North battle will take place in this week’s edition of Monday Night Football as Cleveland (9-3 SU, 5-7 ATS) hosts the divisional rivals, Baltimore (7-5 SU, 6-5-1 ATS). The two have already met earlier this season, in Week 1, with the Ravens dominating at home and winning 38-6. The tables have turned between then and now, as the Browns occupy the spot leading to the playoffs where many have expected to see the Ravens before the seasons started. Since that first game, Cleveland went on the 9-2 run and Baltimore lost five of their eleven games.
Week 14 Baltimore Ravens vs Cleveland Browns Betting Line Movement
Despite their higher position in the rankings, the Browns opened the week as a +1 home underdog and that line even increased in the meantime to +2.5. The total stands at 47, a slight rise from the opening 45.5.
Notes On The Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore has been working on a rather messed-up schedule as their game vs Steelers in week 12 was postponed three times due to the Covid outbreak also pushing their Cowboys game to Wednesday. As a result, the Ravens are entering this week’s matchup practically on a short week even though it’s played on Monday. The good news is that they have most of their most important players back, including Lamar Jackson, Mark Ingram, JK Dobbins, and Gus Edwards. They easily took care of Dallas on Wednesday, mostly thanks to their running game as they rushed for 294 yards in the 34-17 win. The passing still remains an issue and the Ravens now rank dead last in the NFL with only 169.3 yards through the air per contest.
Lamar Jackson had one of his signature games last week, running for 94 yards and a touchdown, although only throwing for 107 yards. In the first game against the Browns, he threw for 275 yards and if he gets close to that number again we can expect a big score fantasy score for him.
Notes On The Cleveland Browns
The Browns sit pretty in the AFC North ranking, but one of the main reasons behind a successful season is their soft schedule. Only three of their wins are against the teams currently better than 5-7. However, last week’s big win proved that the Browns can step up when needed and dominate quality opponents. They blitzed the Titans with a perfect first-half performance including 4 touchdowns in the second quarter. QB Baker Mayfield was great, throwing for 334 yards and 4 TDs and, perhaps more importantly, no interceptions for the fifth consecutive game. The Browns also thrived with the rushing game this season and now have at least 100 yards running in ten of their eleven games including four games with over 200 yards on the ground.
Baker Mayfield will face a much tougher passing defense this week compared to the last two outings and perhaps isn’t that good of a fantasy pick. As the Browns should rely on running a lot, RB Nick Chubb should be a good pick. Chubb’s been very good since returning from injury, averaging more than 116 yards in the last four games. Last week he ran 18 times for 80 yards but was rested in the fourth quarter.
Week 14 NFL Betting Pick: Cleveland Browns +2.5
Healthy and rested Cleveland should be more than a match for Baltimore who can’t count on winning unless they start showing at least a decent passing game. The Browns have significantly improved since Week 1 and will look to use the home advantage and lock up second place in the division.
