BALTIMORE RAVENS @ CLEVELAND BROWNS 
Vegas Line: Browns + 7.5
Rob’s Line: Browns + 7.5
Baltimore buyers beware the Ravens’ propensity for playing down to their opponents’ level. That alone almost makes the fact that they own the league’s third ranked defense redundant. Losses to Jacksonville and Seattle, not to mention a real struggle against Arizona, does make me think that Cleveland have a chance at pulling the upset here, particularly when looking at how they played in Cincinnati last week.
I’ve not really enjoyed watching the Browns this season, but watched with interest the second Ohio derby of the season last week. They led the Bengals by ten with two minutes remaining in the third quarter so to taste defeat in the last minute makes it an emotional loss. However, they shouldn’t have much trouble getting up for a home game a division rival such as the Ravens.
So, how is Cleveland going to score points in this one? Their offense ranks 29th in rushing and 24th in passing and faces a Baltimore D ranked third against the run and fifth against the pass. Running back Peyton Hillis made his first start last Sunday in six weeks and while his 65 yards on 19 carries is far from spectacular, he brought an effort and determination to the Browns and he’s clearly one of the team’s leaders. He’ll relish going up against Baltimore’s defense and he’ll have the full support of a raucous crowd.
The Ravens became the first team to defeat the San Francisco 49ers since Week 2 when they triumphed 16-6 on Thanksgiving in what was a bruising affair, but that wasn’t bad preparation for what possibly lies ahead this Sunday. The aforementioned sloppy losses this season shouldn’t rear their ugly heads again as the Ravens are tied with New England and Houston for homefield advantage throughout the playoffs and with Houston looking desperate at quarterback, that could well develop into a two horse race; Baltimore really can’t afford to let bad habits creep back into their game.
I do like the look of Cleveland here and wouldn’t be that surprised if they won from scratch so I love the look of them with the points on offer.
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