NFL picks, odds and betting offers

Our NFL betting writer brings you his best Ravens vs. Browns predictions and picks for their NFL Week 15 meeting, which is live Saturday at 4:30 p.m. on NFL Network.

Without a definite answer at starting quarterback, the Baltimore Ravens visit an AFC North rival for the second straight week when they meet the Cleveland Browns as part of Saturday’s NFL triple-header at 4:30 p.m. ET on NFL Network.

Browns vs. Ravens picks

Browns vs. Ravens predictions and analysis

The Ravens (9-4) overcame quarterback health issues to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 16-14 last week to remain tied with Cincinnati for the AFC North lead. Tyler Huntley started in place of Lamar Jackson (knee) but took a jarring hit to the head and left the game due to concussion protocol. Rookie Anthony Brown finished the job. But Huntley was a full participant in practice Wednesday and is trending toward playing against the Browns (while Jackson is not).

Cleveland (5-8) will be desperate for a win to remain barely afloat in the AFC playoff race. The Browns had won consecutive games for the first time all season when they beat Tampa Bay and Houston, but that streak ended with a 23-10 loss to the Bengals, Joe Burrow’s first time beating Cleveland. Deshaun Watson improved slightly in his second game back from an 11-game suspension for sexual misconduct lawsuits. But will it be too little, too late for the Browns in the bigger picture?

Ravens moneyline

It can be hard to trust the Ravens this season. Though 9-4, they’re only 5-7-1 against the spread. All four of their losses have come from blowing second-half leads against the Dolphins, Bills, Giants and Jaguars.

But we need to put those concerns aside and believe in the Ravens this week for several reasons, starting with the fact that this series has been historically lopsided — Baltimore has won 24 of the past 29 meetings, including five of the past six.

No matter if it’s Huntley or Brown at quarterback, the Ravens’ identity is a strong defense and reliance on the run game. They beat the Browns 23-20 earlier this season with 160 rushing yards and just 94 passing yards; Huntley and Brown only had to combine for 94 passing yards last week against Pittsburgh because the Ravens gained 215 yards on 42 carries.

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The Browns rank roughly in the bottom third of the league in rushing defense (128.1 ypg allowed) and have several linebackers injured, most recently Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, who was placed on IR. On top of that, defense travels. The Ravens have yielded less than 10 points per game over their past four victories.

The line is the way it is most likely due to Jackson’s and Huntley’s injuries. Get the Ravens at this number while you can; they’re clearly the better team.

Browns vs. Ravens pick: Ravens money line @ +135 with Caesars Sportsbook

Under 37 total points

The Ravens have hit the over just four times in 13 games. It sure helps to have a defense that yields just 19.2 points per game (eighth in the NFL) and 81.2 yards per game (second).

The Browns’ run game struggled last week, gaining just 71 yards against the Bengals, and Baltimore has held the Browns to 84.3 rushing yards on average over their past three meetings.

The Ravens’ acquisition of linebacker Roquan Smith has truly bolstered the defense against both the run and the pass.

And while the Browns are 7-5-1 in the O/U category this year, the under has hit in each of their past three games. The transition to Watson at quarterback has come with growing pains.

Browns vs. Ravens pick: Under 37 points scored @ -110 with Caesars Sportsbook

Deshaun Watson to throw over 0.5 interceptions

Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett exited Sunday’s game early with a concussion, and Mitch Trubisky took the bulk of the snaps against the Ravens.

End result: three more interceptions for the Baltimore defense’s total. Smith and fellow linebacker Patrick Queen each grabbed one, along with safety Marcus Williams, who leads the team with four.

The Ravens are now tied for second in the league with 14 interceptions over 13 games. That’s helped them to a plus-9 turnover differential, also second-best in the NFL behind Philadelphia.

Watson has had plenty of rust to shake off after sitting out all of 2021 and more than half of this season. He’s thrown one interception in each of his first two games. Bet on the Ravens to make that three straight.

Browns vs. Ravens pick: Browns QB Deshaun Watson to throw over 0.5 interceptions @ -111 at Caesars Sportsbook

Ravens vs Browns odds

Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook. Correct at time of publishing and subject to change.

Team	Spread	Money line	Total Points 37
Ravens	(+3) -120	+135	Over -110
Browns	(-3) +100	-160	Under -110