Browns vs. Ravens: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

Unfortunately for the 4-10 Cleveland Browns, the NFL playoffs are well out of sight. But that's not the story for the 10-4 Baltimore Ravens in this divisional AFC North matchup.

I get the feeling that losing to inferior teams is becoming somewhat of a personal issue for the Ravens, who just lost 34-14 to the San Diego Chargers. Combine that with losses to the Seahawks, Jaguars and Titans, and they may be facing somewhat of an epidemic. Is it possible that the Ravens play down to their opponent? 

Either way, they are going to have to be careful against the Browns. They may have a playoff spot locked up, but the division is still at stake, as their record is the same as the Steelers—but they have beaten them twice this year and thus own the tie-breaker.

The implications are high in this game, and one has to be believe that the Browns feel they can play the spoiler role.

Either way, anytime two AFC North teams get together, it's bound to be a battle.

Where: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD 

When: Saturday Dec. 24. 1 p.m. EST

Watch: CBS

Spread: Ravens -13

Have to feel good about the Ravens covering this at home coming off of a bad loss.

Over/Under: 39

Defense is the name of the game in this division, so I would stay with the under.

All Betting Information Courtesy of Bovada.lv

Key Injuries:

Browns Did Not Practice 12/22: Cornerback Joe Haden (thigh), linebacker Ben Jacobs (head), wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi (foot), quarterback Colt McCoy (head), wide receiver Jordan Norwood (head), defensive tackle Scott Paxson (hand), safety T.J. Ward (foot).

Ravens Did Not Practice: 12/22: Wide receiver Anquan Boldin (knee), kicker Billy Cundiff (left calf), defensive end Cory Redding (ankle).

Fantasy Big Plays:

Start: The Browns are giving up 145.4 rushing yards per game, which makes Ravens running back Ray Rice arguably the best fantasy start of the week.

Sit: Browns running back Peyton Hillis is a horrible start against a Ravens defense that only gives up 90 rushing yards a game, which is second-best in the league.

Keys To Browns Win:

With Colt McCoy most likely out and the Ravens defense against the run being so good, this game falls squarely on the shoulders of veteran quarterback Seneca Wallace.

Wallace went 18-of-31 for 226 yards and one touchdown last week in a loss to the Cardinals.

Needless to say, he's going to have to step his game up if the Browns any chance of winning this game.

Keys To Ravens Win:

With the Browns defense being so bad against the run, the Ravens would be smart to pound the rock with Rice.

The Ravens are also have a great home-field advantage and are 7-0 in the friendly confines of M&T Bank Stadium, so look for that to play a factor as well.

Prediction: 

I can't pick against the Ravens at home going against a second-string quarterback.

Browns: 6 Ravens: 23