Baltimore Ravens Favored Over The Cleveland Browns

Sep 15, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) drops back to pass against the Cleveland Browns during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens won 14-6. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

The Vegas odds for week three of the NFL season are in, and it’s a clean sweep that unanimously has the Baltimore Ravens favored over the Cleveland Browns. This is not too surprising, as the Ravens have traditionally dominated the Browns, including wins in nine out of the last ten games.  The last meeting, in November of 2013, saw the Browns pick up their only victory out of the ten games.

But these are two very different teams, tough both are coming off of losses in week one and wins in week two.  The Ravens dominated the Steelers in a 26-6 victory at home, while the Browns pulled off a huge upset against the New Orleans Saints in Cleveland one week after they almost pulled off the upset against the Steelers. Both teams have a great deal of momentum coming into this week’s divisional matchup.

Here is the breakdown of how each Vegas outlet predicts the outcome of Sunday’s game.

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Bookmaker

Ravens +1 1/2, O/U 41 1/2

BetDSI

Ravens +1 1/2, O/U 41 1/2

Bovada

Ravens 1-15

5Dimes

Ravens pk-25, O/U 41 1/2

Pinnacle Sports

Ravens 2-05, O/U 41 1/2

Wager Web

Ravens +1 1/2, O/U 41 1/2

Even though Vegas picks the Ravens to win in a clean sweep, the small spread is a clear indication that the Browns have a better than average shot here.  And in reality, this might be true.  They almost mounted a comeback against the Steelers in week one, losing to a last minute field goal.  And they managed to pull out a win against a team many predicted to win the Super Bowl – the Saints.

The Browns are also at home, which gives them a bit of a boost.  They are bound to be hyped up after their big win in week two, which was also the team’s first home opener win since 2004.  Even though they lack weapons in the receiving game, the Browns have compensated with a strong defensive front seven that has generated a good bit of pressure in the first two weeks. New offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan has also rejuvenated the ground game which has averaged 152.5 yards through two weeks with 3 touchdowns.

The Ravens disappointed with a dysfunctional offense in week one against the Bengals, but put forward a much more balanced and effective effort in week two. Joe Flacco completed 72.4% of his passes in one of most efficient efforts of his career. The ground game has contributed greatly to their success as well as the Ravens are on pace to rush for over 2,000 yards for the first time since 2009.

The key to this game may just come down to the two team’s ability to move the chains via the run game, and their ability to stop the run.  While the Browns defense has given up 150.5 yards on the ground per game with three touchdowns, the Ravens D has allowed an average of only 89 yards with no touchdowns.  And in this close matchup, that may just prove to be the difference.