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Browns Open as 1.5-Point Home Underdogs Against the Ravens in Week 14 Monday Night Football

Chris Amberley

by Chris Amberley in NFL Football

Updated Dec 9, 2020 · 6:12 AM PST

Baker Mayfield Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) celebrates against the Tennessee Titans during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brett Carlsen)
  • The Baltimore Ravens (7-5) visit the Cleveland Browns (9-3) on MNF in Week 14 (Dec. 14th, 8:15 pm EST)
  • Cleveland pounded Tennessee 41-35 in Week 13, while Baltimore got past Dallas 34-17
  • Read below for analysis on which way the line will move ahead of kickoff

Don’t look now, but the Cleveland Browns are one of the hottest teams in the NFL. Baker Mayfield and company have won four straight and are fresh off a dominating performance in Tennessee.

The Browns are firmly entrenched in a Wild Card position with just four games remaining, and now get set to host the rival Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football (Dec. 14, 8:15 pm ET) in Week 14.

Ravens vs Browns Opening Odds

Team Spread Moneyline Total
Baltimore Ravens -1.5 (-110) OFF Over 45.5 (-110)
Cleveland Browns +1.5 (-110) OFF Under 45.5 (-110)

Odds taken Dec. 8th.

The Ravens meanwhile, knocked off the Dallas Cowboys 34-17 on a rare Tuesday night outing, and have opened up as a 1.5-point road favorite. The victory snapped Baltimore’s three-game losing streak, and it looks like the Ravens will need to win at least three of their final four to advance to the postseason.

Ravens Rout Cowboys

Tuesday marked the return of Lamar Jackson and J.K. Dobbins, among others, who missed last week’s game versus Pittsburgh due to COVID. Baltimore was still missing Mark Andrews, but Jackson looked like his usual explosive self, combining for three total touchdowns, including this 37-yard score.

Dobbins sealed the game with a 5-yard rushing TD, helping Baltimore rack up 294 yards on the ground. Granted, the Dallas rush defense is rated the worst in the league, but the near 300 yards the Ravens accumulated is nearly twice as many as the Cowboys typically yield per game.

The Baltimore defense is also getting healthier, as both Brandon Williams and Calais Campbell returned from injury. The duo was instrumental in holding Dallas to 4.0 yards per carry, and 17 points, and will have its hands full with the Browns on Monday night.

Beware of the Browns

Cleveland is known for its dominant run game, but Mayfield proved in Week 13 that he’s not to be forgotten about. The former number one pick threw 4 TD passes versus the Titans, all in the first half, to help build a commanding 38-7 lead.

Don’t let the 41-35 final score fool you, as this game was over after the first quarter. Cleveland scored the first 17 points and gained over 300 yards in the first half alone. The league’s number one rushing attack, led by Nick Chubb, didn’t need to do much from there but still finished with 118 total yards.

Chubb ran for 80 yards and a score, and it’s no coincidence that the Browns have been on fire since his return from injury. Cleveland is 7-1 with him in the lineup this season, and are averaging over 100 more rushing yards in games he plays.

Not to be outdone, DPOY candidate Myles Garrett returned from a one-game absence due to COVID, to help the Browns defense erase Derrick Henry. They held the league’s rushing King to just 60 yards, racking up three turnovers and three sacks along the way.

That unit will need to step up again on Monday night, as Jackson has historically shredded the Browns. In five career games, Lamar has a 9-2 TD-to-INT ratio versus Cleveland, while racking up 314 yards on the ground and two rushing scores.

Line Likely Heading in Ravens’ Favor

The Ravens trounced the Browns 38-6 in Week 1, something that likely won’t be forgotten by bettors. Add in the fact that Baltimore was just dominant in primetime and that Cleveland has a long history of underperforming, and you have all the ingredients for this line to move towards the Ravens.

It also doesn’t hurt that Baltimore ranks significantly higher by DVOA, and most other advanced metrics. The Ravens also need this game to ensure they stay on a path to reach the postseason, which may give bettors more incentive to back Baltimore.

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