Baltimore Ravens Vs Cleveland Browns: Las Vegas Line & Pick Against the Spread

Baltimore Ravens Return to Original Home to Face Cleveland Browns

Todd Jacobs, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Dec 19, 2010 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."

The Baltimore Ravens return to their original home in Cleveland to face their replacements, the Cleveland Browns on December 26th. The Baltimore Ravens are in a another must win spot against the team that was born after they left for Baltimore years ago.

The Baltimore Ravens won a crucial game and covered against the New Orleans Saints and now they head to
their birthplace to face a Cleveland Browns team that has struggled in recent weeks with losses to the Cincinnati Bengals and the Buffalo Bills.

Baltimore Ravens Offense vs Cleveland Browns Defense

The Cleveland Browns fans always look forward to this game. They relish any victory their team has over the Baltimore Ravens but a home victory is that much sweeter. The Cleveland Browns defense is young especially in the secondary but they have created a defense that is opportunistic and fast. Team speed is the key for this team and the Cleveland Browns young secondary has picked off 18 passes this season and they rank third overall.

Joe Flacco and his potentially high powered Baltimore Ravens offense will have their work cut out for them in this game. One reason for the Baltimore Ravens struggling offense is their lack of a strong running attack. Ray Rice has not returned to the level of his 2009 NFL season but he has picked up the pace over the last few weeks. Rice is not hitting the holes with authority as he did last season. The Baltimore Ravens offense has the edge over the Cleveland Browns defense.

Cleveland Browns Offense vs Baltimore Ravens Defense

Jake Delhomme at quarterback was a huge handicap for the Cleveland Browns. Delhomme has not lost his knack for throwing critical interceptions and his inability to see the field was ultimately his undoing. Colt McCoy will now be under center for Cleveland but he will under the gun from the opening kickoff.

Peyton Hillis is the wild card in this game and if he runs on the Baltimore Ravens as he did in their previous game, Baltimore could have a long day. Hillis has lost steam as the season has worn on and most defenses have learned to attack the ball instead of the man. This has slowed Hillis and taken off some of his edge late in the season.

The Baltimore Ravens defense is aging but Ray Lewis may have a few more years left in him. Ed Reed may also be at the end the road after this season but he does still earn the honor of best game breaker of the decade. Upon Reed's return the secondary went through an adjustment period but they should be back to form for this game. The Baltimore Ravens defense has the edge over the Cleveland Browns offense.

Baltimore Ravens -3 vs Cleveland Browns: Pick Against the Spread & Breakdown

The Las Vegas Hilton Superbook has set the line on this game with the visiting Baltimore Ravens as a three point favorite over the Cleveland Browns. The Baltimore Ravens are 4-2-1 against the spread on the road. A much better statistic than their losing record against the spread at home. The Cleveland Browns are 2-4 against the spread on their home field and have not played their best ball in Cleveland. Take the Baltimore Ravens -3 over the Cleveland Browns.