Baltimore owns the AFC North rivalry with Cleveland, winning 13 of the last 14 meetings outright and seven straight at MT Bank Stadium. The Browns are 4-2-1 ATS over the last seven series meetings and gave the Ravens several scares. But with the Browns struggling, the vow of owner Jimmy Haslam not to “blow things up” is being tested.
ODDS
Baltimore opened as a 6.5-point favorite with the total at 44. There has been little movement on the line suggesting oddsmakers nailed this one. While the Ravens have the success on the field, winning 13 of 14, the Browns have paid at the betting window with a 4-1 ATS record in the last four series matchups.
KEY INJURIES
Tashaun Gipson – Sat out practice this week due to a sprained ankle and is questionable to play on Sunday. Backup Jordan Poyer could see some snaps at free safety if Gipson is still hobbled with his bum wheel.
Steve Smith – Is listed as week-to-week with microfractures in his back. He was injured late in the third quarter of the Steelers game when he got speared and is doubtful to play Sunday. The injury adds to the Ravens concerns at receiver with first-round pick Breshard Perriman slowly recovering from a training camp knee injury and Michael Campanaro recently placed on injured reserve. Former practice squad player Kamar Aiken moves to the top of the depth chart and Marlon Brown also is expected to start. Baltimore traded for the speedy Chris Givens to add depth at the position.
KEY MISMATCH
Even with a group of receivers decimated by injuries, the Ravens remain confident given the success on the ground they’ve enjoyed against Cleveland throughout the years. After Justin Forsett helped run Baltimore to its first win of the season, they could rely heavily on him Sunday. Last week, Forsett surpassed his rushing yardage total from the first three games combined, leading the ravens to a 23-20 overtime win in Pittsburgh. After averaging 3.2 yards per carry while gaining 124 in the first three, he totaled 150 yards on 27 carries against the Steelers. Forsett averaged 6.5 yards per attempt in two games against Cleveland last season and gained 119 on 17 carries in a home win. The Browns yielded a NFL-worst 141.6 rushing yards per game in 2014 and rank 31st at 141.5 through the first quarter of this season.
KEY STAT
13-1 – Ravens’ quarterback Joe Flacco’s career record against Cleveland. Flacco has thrown 18 touchdown passes and seven interceptions while compiling an impressive record as a starter against a division rival.
BETTING ANGLE
Both teams are stuck in the basement of the AFC North, but it’s the Browns who should be more concerned about taking up permanent residency there. The Ravens are rested and energized after getting their first win of the season, beating Pittsburgh on Oct. 1. The Browns are still reeling from their loss in San Diego last Sunday and coach Mike Pettine is desperately trying to keep the season from unraveling with 12 games still to go. The supposed easy part of the schedule is over and the second quarter of the season begins against a team the Browns haven’t been able to figure out. Baltimore’s won 13 of the last 14 against Cleveland, including seven straight at home, and holds a 24-8 lead in the all-time series. The Ravens’ success hasn’t translated at the betting window, however, as they are 1-4 in their last five at home with the Browns.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
With all the injuries to the receiving corps, it’s likely the Ravens will use Forsett extensively with a little Lorenzo Taliaferro sprinkled in. But the absence of Smith, Campanero and possibly tight end Crocket Gilmore won’t completely change the game plan. The Ravens will take their shots downfield, but the chances are greater on the ground against the 31st-ranked run defense. Cleveland played on the West Coast last week and now plays on the opposite side of the country. They won’t get any sympathy cards from the Ravens, who opened the season at Denver and Oakland. The Browns lost twice to Baltimore last season but led both of those games in the fourth quarter. There’s little reason to believe this one won’t be close too.
Baltimore 23, Cleveland 20
BookMaker sent out the NFL online odds for this Sunday game at Baltimore -6.5 with a total of 44. Live wagering during commercials offers adjusted moneylines, totals and spreads. Log in and start gambling during the game now!
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