NFL Week 9 Predictions: Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns

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NFL handicappers will need to respect John Harbaugh's against-the-spread record in Sunday's situation when making their NFL picks this weekend, as the Baltimore Ravens (5-2) take on the Cleveland Browns (2-6) at Cleveland Browns Stadium, with the opening kickoff scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS.

The Ravens are 3.5-point road favorites in the current Week 9 NFL betting odds (courtesy of SBR Forum), while the total sits at 42.5 across the board in the market.

Harbaugh has compiled an impressive 9-1 against-the-spread (ATS) mark when his team enjoys a week of rest, while the road team has covered the number in the last six meetings in this series.

Let's take a closer look at this AFC North matchup from a betting perspective, while providing a total prediction along the way. 

Baltimore Ravens

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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco has completed just 50 percent of his passes in three road games this year, which has led to the team scoring just one offensive touchdown in its last 10 quarters away from M&T Bank Stadium.

I'm expecting a top-flight performance out of this offense in Week 9, especially since the Ravens have rushed for at least 101 yards in the last 10 meetings in this series.

Cleveland Browns

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The Cleveland Browns have averaged just 10 points per game in their last seven meetings with the Baltimore Ravens, but that's going to change as running back Trent Richardson and quarterback Brandon Weeden gain more experience.

Sports bettors need to stay away from backing the Browns in this spot, as they've gone 1-10 ATS in their last 11 home games in the month of November.

Las Vegas Perspective

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I reached out to Jimmy Vaccaro earlier this week about this high-profile affair. He serves as the public relations director for William Hill US, and here's what he had to say:

Dog Pound barks again. Two upsets, two weeks in a row. First the Chargers, now the Ravens. Ravens are overrated, Browns aren't as bad as their record indicates.

Prediction

I'm going to recommend that readers play the OVER in this AFC North contest, as the two teams combined for 795 yards of total offense in their first meeting this year.

The Baltimore Ravens have also managed to climb above the total in nine of their last 10 games following a straight-up loss.

NFL Week 9 Pick: Over 42.5

 

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