Baltimore's Running Game Gives Ravens Edge Over Browns
By Josh Yourish
The Baltimore Ravens somehow pulled out a win in Pittsburgh even down to their third-string quarterback, Anthony Brown. They’re still in control of the AFC North at 9-4, but the Bengals are breathing down their necks. To hold onto the top spot, the Ravens have to take care of the 5-8 Deshaun Watson led Cleveland Browns on Saturday. The Browns are 0-2 with Watson at quarterback, but once he shakes the rust off they could become a scary offense.
It’ll likely be Tyler Huntley for Baltimore, so Cleveland is a favorite in this one. Let’s take a look at the odds for AFC North football in Week 15.
Ravens vs. Browns Odds, Spread and Total
Ravens vs. Browns Odds, Spread and Total Movement in NFL Week 15
There hasn’t really been any movement on the spread this week, but the total has come down from 42 to 38.
Ravens vs. Browns Prediction and Pick
Tyler Huntley didn’t turn any heads last week before getting knocked out of the game with a concussion. Yet, the Ravens would much rather have him at quarterback than Anthony Brown who they only trusted to attempt five passes. He completed three passes for 16 yards, but their passing game would be severely limited. It just might not matter against Cleveland because the Browns are a disaster against the run.
Cleveland is allowing 4.8 yards a carry this season and their opponents have scored 17 rushing touchdowns this year. They’re only giving up 128.1 rushing yards a game which is middle of the pack in the league, but they haven’t really gotten any stops when it matters. The Steelers have a much better run defense and the Ravens ran for 215 yards a week ago, even shoving it down Pittsburgh’s throat when everyone in the entire city knew they were going to run it at the end of the game.
Watson is playing terribly since coming back from suspension, and the Ravens have maybe the best rush defense in the league. So, much more will fall on Watson's shoulders than on Huntley's or Brown's until he proves he's back to his vintage form.
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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change