Browns at Ravens: Preview, prediction, odds and pick

CINCINNATI, OH - SEPTEMBER 10: Michael Pierce
CINCINNATI, OH - SEPTEMBER 10: Michael Pierce

The Ravens looked strong in their season opener last Sunday, and now they’ll look to gain even more ground in the AFC North against the Browns.

The Baltimore Ravens had a ton of doubters heading into the first week of the regular season, especially considering the injury to Joe Flacco under center on offense. However, they shut them all up with a 20-0 win against the Cincinnati Bengals, and now hope to replicate that against the Cleveland Browns in Week 2.

The Ravens offense wasn’t especially spectacular, as they were limited by the fact that Flacco was obviously still hindered from his injury. But their defense more than made up for it. They forced turnovers left and right, and refused to give up any points to what looked like a talented Bengals offense.

Meanwhile, the Browns showed some promise offensively, led by the young gun Deshone Kizer at quarterback, and the rookie had a successful debut against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1 despite the loss. Now, he’ll have to do even better against a scarier defense if he wants his first win.

Odds: Ravens -10, according to SportsBook Review

The Ravens look incredibly strong at the moment, and, it may just be an overreaction because of their performance in Week 1, but it looks like they have the best defense in the league to start the year. They held a better Bengals offense in check for an entire four quarters last week, and they are actually facing a worse offense from the Browns in Week 2 with no rust to worry about from the offseason.

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It doesn’t look too promising for the Browns, as the odds from SportsBook Review say, and the Ravens should cruise to a relatively easy, low-scoring win on Sunday afternoon in their home opener.

Pick: Ravens 23, Browns 13