Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns Betting Preview

Sunday afternoon features a battle of best versus worst in the AFC North as the Baltimore Ravens (8-4) take on the Cleveland Browns (6-6). The Browns will host this one at FirstEnergy Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 1:00 pm ET.
After beating the Browns at home 16-10 two weeks ago, the Ravens are looking to sweep the season series on Sunday. They are also trying to bounce back from a 20-19 loss to the Steelers last weekend.
In the loss, Lamar Jackson threw for 253 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. He also rushed eight times for 55 yards.
This will be the second game in a row for the Browns against Baltimore, as they enjoyed their bye week last week. Baker Mayfield will be trying for a better performance this time around as he threw for just 247 yards and a touchdown in the last outing.
The Browns are the slight favorites playing at home. They are -146 to win while the Ravens’ moneyline sits at +124. The spread features Baltimore +2.5 (-104), and the over/under for total points is 42.5.
More Odds
With the best record in the division, the Ravens also hold the best odds of winning the AFC North at -150. The Browns have the third-best odds at +490.
In terms of the Super Bowl, the Ravens are +1600 to win it all. The Browns are +5500 to win Super Bowl LVI.
By The Numbers
Baltimore has had the slightly better offense to date. They rank 16th in scoring averaging 23.5 points per game (19 on the road). The Browns rank 19th, averaging 21.2 points per game (18.5 at home).
Defensively, it is Baltimore again that holds the edge. They rank ninth in scoring defense, allowing opponents just 21.7 points per game (18.7 on the road). The Browns rank 12th allowing 22.3 points per game (17.2 at home).
Ravens Look To Keep Rolling Against Cleveland
Not only did Baltimore beat Cleveland a couple of weeks ago, but they have had some success against the Browns in recent years. In fact, they are 4-0, both straight up and against the spread in the last four games against Cleveland.
Trying to make it five in a row will be star quarterback Lamar Jackson. This season, Jackson has thrown for 2,865 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions.
Jackson also leads the team in rushing. He has rushed 131 times for 762 yards and another two scores. Of some concern, Jackson has taken 37 sacks to this point.
Through the air, Jackson’s favorite targets have been Marquise Brown (825 yards, six touchdowns) and tight end Mark Andrews (811 yards, five touchdowns).
Cleveland Trying To Stay In Division Hunt
For as inconsistent as the Browns have played this year, they find themselves just two games back entering play Sunday. With a win, a run at a division title is certainly not out of the picture.
Cleveland will hope for a big game from quarterback Baker Mayfield Sunday. To date, Mayfield has thrown for 2,413 yards, 11 touchdowns, and six interceptions.
On the ground, Cleveland is led by running back Nick Chubb. He has rushed 150 times this season for 867 yards and six touchdowns.
Defensively, the team is led by Anthony Walker (85 tackles), Myles Garrett (14 sacks), and both Denzel Ward and John Johnson III with three interceptions each.
Take The Ravens And The Points
This one might boil down to how effective Ravens’ quarterback Lamar Jackson can be. In his last three games, he has thrown three touchdowns and six interceptions. With that type of ineffectiveness, the Browns may be able to pull out a home win.
Still, this is one that will probably be close throughout. For that reason, taking the points may be the smart move. In this case, that means taking Baltimore at +2.5.