With an 81-percent chance to make the NFL playoffs, the Ravens are embracing the remaining regular season opponent trifecta – Cleveland, Indianapolis, and Cincinnati. Week 15 against the 0-13 Browns will put them one step closer to their goal, but can Cleveland keep it close enough to cover against the 7.5-point favorite?
On the road this season, the Ravens are 3-4 straight up and 4-2-1 against the spread, while the Browns 0-7 (obviously) and 2-5 against the spread when playing at home in First Energy Stadium.
The Baltimore Ravens were in a classic slugfest with the Pittsburgh Steelers which saw a combine 76 total combined points scored in the Sunday night showdown. It was a great offensive performance by the running game for Baltimore as new running back Alex Collins is tearing up the field.
In the loss, Collins rushed the ball 18 times for 120 total yards along with a touchdown. He had an average of almost seven yards per carry as the Ravens were giving him the rock early and often. As for the passing game, it was subpar as quarterback Joe Flacco only had 269 passing yards along with two touchdowns and one interception.
Flacco might of had an ok night but compared to opposing quarterback Ben Roethlisberger who had over 500 yards of passing, Flacco had a low night. Baltimore will need to continue to win in order to stay in the hunt as this might be the perfect trap game for the Ravens.
The Cleveland Browns were so close from winning their first game of the season as they would allow the Packers to score 20 straight unanswered points to capture the win in overtime. Cleveland played pretty well for the fact they had zero wins coming into this game as well. The defense started to get tired toward the latter part of the game as Green Bay along with Brett Hundley would march on down the field with ease.
With wide receiver Josh Gordon returning to the team, he has added a new spark to this offense as quarterback DeShone Kizer is finding him often in recent weeks. Kizer threw for 214 passing yards along with three touchdowns and two interceptions.
Kizer must learn from his mistakes right now as the front office is on their heels on finding a new quarterback in the draft. Cleveland will host the Ravens as they have a great opportunity to slow down the subpar Flacco.
Writer’s Prediction
I have seen it all with the Cleveland Browns, either leading a huge lead get lost, or simple getting blown out. They are in a bad situation as the Ravens come to town. Alex Collins and the tough Baltimore defense will be able to shutdown the Browns by halftime. Cleveland will fall to 0-14 on the season. Pick: Baltimore (-10.0)
