Browns vs. Ravens Pick: Cleveland Offers Best Value

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Cleveland Draws Support as Lamar Jackson’s Absence Shifts Ravens-Browns Line

The Ravens opened as 5.5-point favorites, but the spread dropped to 3.5 after Lamar Jackson was ruled out and Snoop Huntley was named Baltimore’s starting quarterback.

Cleveland looked awful against the New York Jets last week, but the Browns remain one of the most appealing plays of the week. Huntley’s performance last week was viewed as an anomaly, and the drop from Jackson to Huntley appears more significant than the current line indicates.

There is also confidence in Cleveland based on the history of this matchup. Even when the Browns have struggled and the Ravens have played well, Cleveland has found ways to beat Baltimore. One example came a couple of years ago, when Nick Chubb ran for 200 yards against the Ravens in a Cleveland victory.

The best value was available when Cleveland was getting 5.5 points. With that number gone, the Browns’ money line may now be the stronger option. Cleveland has a chance to win outright, particularly with Baltimore facing uncertainty at quarterback and playing its second consecutive road game.

The Ravens do not have a bye until Week 13, so there is no immediate rest week available for Jackson. That makes the situation more precarious as Baltimore tries to manage his absence.

Judkins’s health is one concern for Cleveland because he is expected to be a game-time decision. Julian McLaughlin could handle part of that role, and he has previously shown an ability to manage a workload when called upon by the Broncos. Denzel Boston could also get back on track, while Concepcion’s status bears watching after he entered concussion protocol.

Baltimore escaped with an overtime win against Atlanta last week, but repeating that result on the road may be difficult. The preferred play is Cleveland on the money line at plus 150.

Although Huntley is often described as Jackson’s longtime backup, his previous stretch as a starter for the Miami Dolphins also raised concerns. His return to Baltimore does not erase the doubts surrounding him as the Ravens’ starting quarterback.