-bm.jpg "NFL ATS Picks – Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens")
Even though Cleveland fell to the Steelers to start the year, it was an encouraging showing as they hung around the entire contest and lost by just a field goal. The Browns aren’t going to be competing for a playoff spot this season but want to make incremental progress. It will be tough to win this game but remaining competitive would be a moral victory and could help result in a cover of the spread.
The Ravens, meanwhile, would love for another blowout as it would put the rest of the AFC on notice that they are back as playoff contenders after a recent lull.
Watch this regular season Week 2 matchup live on Sunday, September 17, 2017, at 1 p.m. ET at M&T Bank Stadium.
Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Cleveland Browns +7
Baltimore Ravens -7
Over/Under 41
Odds Analysis
The Ravens are a smaller favorite than expected and clearly the betting public sees it. More than 93 percent of the early action is on Baltimore to cover even as the odds have increased to -120 for that to happen. The line figures to move up in the coming days if the wagers continue to be this lopsided.
The “under” is the more popular choice on the scoring total as the Ravens defense looked terrific in the opener and the Browns have an underwhelming offense.
Injury Report
Danny Woodhead -- The Ravens’ running back hurt his hamstring on the opening series of the game and didn’t return. Baltimore’s offense isn’t particularly explosive, and Woodhead is one of its better players. This could be a significant absence if he doesn’t play, so watch his status closely.
Myles Garrett -- The Browns defensive end was the No. 1 overall pick in the draft but missed Sunday’s opener with a high ankle sprain. He seems very unlikely to play in this one, which robs Cleveland of a player who could get after Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco.
Key Stat
Four. That’s the number of interceptions the Ravens had in their rout of the Bengals last time out. C.J. Mosley, Brandon Carr, Ladarius Webb and Jimmy Smith each had one apiece against Cincinnati quarterback Andy Dalton.
The Ravens beefed up their defense this offseason in free agency and it has always been the side of the ball that has led the way for this team. The Browns got a decent game out of rookie quarterback DeShone Kizer in his NFL debut against the Steelers.
Kizer threw for 222 yards with a touchdown and an interception in the 21-18 loss to Pittsburgh. He has picked up the offense faster than expected and could really gain some confidence with a strong outing against the Ravens. However, it won’t be easy. Baltimore’s pass-rush was clicking against the Bengals and will look to harass Kizer in this matchup.
Free ATS Pick
The Browns had a nice showing in the opener and do seem to be improving after so many years of ineptitude, but going on the road against a decent opponent is a tough task. This game could get sideways pretty quickly if the Ravens jump out to a lead and force Kizer to throw a lot. Cleveland isn’t quite ready to compete with good teams on a weekly basis.
Take Baltimore to win this game and cover the spread behind another fantastic defensive performance. Take the “over” though as the Ravens should be able to score some points and the Browns could get a late garbage time score to help push this total high enough.
NFL Odds: Ravens 27, Browns 17
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
