Cleveland Browns vs Baltimore Ravens Betting Pick & Prediction 1/4/25

The Ravens are heavily favored at -1951 on the money line as they face the Browns on Saturday, January 4th at 4:30 ET on ABC. The Ravens are the home team for this week 18 matchup, and the point spread is at -17.5 in favor of the Ravens. The over/under line is at 41.5 points.

CLEVELAND BROWNS VS BALTIMORE RAVENS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Baltimore Ravens -17.5

This game will be played at M&T Bank Stadium at 4:30 ET on Saturday, January 4th.

WHY BET THE BALTIMORE RAVENS:

• We have the Ravens winning this one by a score of 36 to 13
• Not only do we have the Ravens winning straight-up, we have them covering the spread at -17.5
• Look for this game to go over the line of 41.5 points

Will The Browns Pull Off An Upset As Road Underdogs

With a 3-13 record, the Browns are on a five-game losing streak, including a 20-3 loss to the Dolphins in week 17. Cleveland ranks 31st in our power rankings and has been eliminated from playoff contention. They are 4th in the AFC North and 14th in the conference standings.

Against the spread, the Browns are 4-12 and have failed to cover in five straight games. They are 0-4 as favorites and 4-8 as underdogs. Their O/U record is 6-10, with the under hitting in four consecutive games.

Heading into week 18, the Browns rank 32nd in our offensive power rankings. They are 29th in the NFL in points per game (15.5) and 27th in yards per game (305.2). Despite leading the league in pass attempts, they are 20th in passing yards per game (208.2). On the ground, they rank 28th with 97 rushing yards per game on 23.2 attempts per contest. Cleveland ranks 29th in the NFL in 3rd-down conversion percentage but leads the league in red zone conversions, scoring on 55.9% of their trips.

Dorian Thompson-Robinson will start at quarterback against the Ravens, despite being limited in practice with a calf injury. In week 17, he threw for 170 yards on 24/47 passing, with one interception. Jerry Jeudy, who is probable for week 18, had 12 catches for 94 yards in week 17. Jerome Ford, who is questionable with an ankle injury, rushed for 92 yards in week 16 and 84 yards in week 15.

In their 20-3 loss to the Dolphins, the Browns’ defense allowed Miami to convert 84.6% of their passes, with 22 completions for 206 yards. Cleveland defended well on third downs, allowing just an 18.2% conversion rate. The Browns’ defense also forced four sacks and limited the Dolphins to 74 rushing yards on 27 attempts (2.7 yards per attempt).

Despite their efforts, the Browns’ offense struggled, managing just 3 points. The Dolphins finished with 280 total yards, and Cleveland will be looking for more support from their offense in the future.

Are The Ravens Going To Defend Home Field Advantage?

Heading into week 18, the Ravens sit atop the AFC North with an 11-5 record, which includes a three-game winning streak. After a week 13 loss to the Eagles, Baltimore has bounced back with wins over the Giants, Steelers, and Texans, including a 29-point victory over Houston in week 17. The Ravens covered the 6.5-point spread in that game, bringing their ATS record to 9-6-1.

Our power rankings have Baltimore 2nd in the NFL, and they have a 94.2% chance of winning the division and a 100% chance of making the playoffs. Their average scoring margin this season is +8.2 points per game, and their O/U record is 12-4, with their games averaging 52.1 points.

Heading into week 18, the Ravens are 1st in our offensive power rankings. They lead the NFL in yards per game (424.2) and rank 3rd in points per game, averaging 30.2. Baltimore has leaned heavily on the run game, ranking 2nd in both rushing attempts (32.4) and rushing yards per game (185.6). On 3rd down, they convert 48% of the time, which is 2nd in the NFL.

Lamar Jackson has been on a roll, posting a passer rating of 143 in week 17, with 168 yards and 2 touchdowns on 10/15 passing. Derrick Henry rushed for 147 yards on 27 carries, and Mark Andrews had 68 yards and a touchdown. Baltimore scored 14 points in the 3rd quarter against the Texans and converted all 3 of their red zone opportunities.

In their most recent game, the Ravens’ defense didn’t allow a touchdown, giving up just two points to the Texans. They were dominant, allowing only 58 rushing yards on 17 attempts and 153 passing yards. Baltimore’s defense also came away with five sacks and limited Houston to a 26.7% conversion rate on third downs. They also picked off one pass and held the Texans to 4-of-16 on third down conversions. The Ravens’ defense allowed just 211 total yards in the game.