Week 18 Browns vs Ravens: Predictions, Player Props, and Odds

• The Baltimore Ravens can clinch the AFC North with a win over the Cleveland Browns on Saturday
• Baltimore is favored by nearly three touchdowns in the Browns vs Ravens spread
• Below, see the Browns vs Ravens predictions, player props, and odds for Jan. 4

The Baltimore Ravens (11-5, 5-2 home, 9-6-1 ATS) have already clinched a playoff spot, but Week 18 will determine whether they hit the road on Wild Card weekend or get to host their first playoff game. Baltimore hosts the struggling Cleveland Browns (3-13, 1-7 away, 4-12 ATS) at 4:30 pm ET at M&T Bank Stadium. The Browns have lost five straight and, as a franchise, would be better off losing in Week 18 to improve their draft position.

Cleveland Browns vs Baltimore Ravens Predictions

• Ravens -3.5 (-120) in 1st Quarter at FanDuel 
• Derrick Henry first TD scorer (+260) at DraftKings  Odds as of Jan. 4. Claim the BetMGM bonus code to land a promo for Week 18 or download another one of the top NFL betting apps. 

The Browns/Ravens odds opened at an already-massive Baltimore -16.5 and, over the course of the week, that number moved as high as Baltimore -20.5. As of Saturday morning, most books list the Ravens as 20-point chalk in the Week 18 NFL odds. Certainly, motivation is part of the reason for the line movement. A loss could mean the Ravens travel to Houston next week to face the Texans on the road, while a win would allow them to stay home against either the Steelers or Chargers in the first round of the NFL playoff bracket.

But another big part of the reason for the line movement is all the injuries on the Cleveland side. The Browns are going to be without RB Jerome Ford, TE David Njoku, CB Denzel Ward, and LB Jordan Hicks, all significant contributors during a lost season for Cleveland.

At QB, Kevin Stefanski plans to give reps to both Bailey Zappe and Dorian Thompson-Robinson, with the former getting the start. In 14 games with the Patriots in 2022 and 2023, the Western Kentucky product had an ugly 78.5 passer rating with 11 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and a 63.2 completion percentage.

I have my doubts about whether the Ravens are going to keep their foot on the gas for the whole 60 minutes. If they build a big enough halftime lead, John Harbaugh can give his key players a break in advance of next week’s postseason matchup. That’s why I’m targeting a first-quarter spread of Baltimore -3.5 (-120) at FanDuel. Curiously, DraftKings has this line at Baltimore -6.5 (-115). The smaller line at FanDuel allows the Ravens to cover with a touchdown even if the Browns manage a first-quarter field goal.

I’m also betting Derrick Henry to score the first touchdown of the game at +260. I don’t expect to see Henry much in the second half when the Ravens are likely to be in full control. But the five-time Pro Bowler is one of a dozen players with big money on the line in the NFL Week 18 player incentives: Henry needs just one more touchdown to get to 15 TDs on the year and land a $500,000 bonus.

I see the Ravens feeding him early and often before giving him a rest in the second half.

CLE vs BAL Player Props

The Browns/Ravens player props are a little more scant that usual with so many questions about how long the Ravens starters will play, and who’s even going to start on the Cleveland side. Lamar Jackson is the only QB listed in the passing props and has a yardage total of just 207.5.  Derrick Henry, per usual, has the highest rushing yards total at 94.5.

Best Browns vs Ravens Odds

There is a half-point range in the Browns/Ravens spread. Caesars currently has the best option for Cleveland ATS bettors, listing the Browns at +20 (-105). DraftKings has the best option for Baltimore ATS bettors, listing the Ravens at -19.5 (-115).

On the moneyline, DraftKings also has the best odds for the Ravens, but at a hyper-short -2400, isn’t offering much. The longest odds on a Cleveland victory are at FanDuel, where the Browns are listed at +1500.

All books currently have the game total at 41.5 with only slight variations in price. The best over option is -105 at FanDuel while the best under option is -110 at any of BetMGM, bet365, Caesars, or ESPN Bet.

The NFL public betting percentages show Baltimore getting a massive 86% of moneyline handle despite the short odds, but only 55% of ATS handle. The public also loves the over, putting 81% of O/U handle on over 41.5 as of 9 am ET.

The Week 18 matchup between the Cleveland Browns and the Baltimore Ravens is sure to be an exciting one as both teams look to end their season on a high note. With playoff implications on the line for the Ravens, this game is crucial for both teams.

The Browns come into this game with a 7-9 record and are looking to play spoiler against their division rival. Quarterback Baker Mayfield will look to lead the offense and put up big numbers against a tough Ravens defense. Running back Nick Chubb will also be a key player to watch as he looks to exploit any weaknesses in the Ravens’ run defense.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Browns will need to contain Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, who is always a threat with his dual-threat ability. The Browns’ secondary will need to step up and make plays against the Ravens’ talented receiving corps.

As for the Ravens, they come into this game with a 9-7 record and are fighting for a playoff spot. Lamar Jackson will be the key player to watch as he looks to lead the Ravens to victory and secure a spot in the postseason. Running back Devonta Freeman will also be a player to watch as he looks to provide balance to the Ravens’ offense.

Defensively, the Ravens will need to contain Baker Mayfield and the Browns’ offense. Linebacker Patrick Queen will be a key player to watch as he looks to make plays all over the field and disrupt the Browns’ offensive game plan.

In terms of player props, look for Baker Mayfield to throw for over 250 yards and 2 touchdowns in this game. Nick Chubb should have a big game on the ground, rushing for over 100 yards and a touchdown. For the Ravens, expect Lamar Jackson to have a big game both passing and rushing, with over 300 total yards and 3 touchdowns.

As for the odds, the Ravens are currently favored by 6 points in this matchup. The over/under is set at 48 points, indicating that this could be a high-scoring affair.

Overall, this Week 18 matchup between the Browns and Ravens is sure to be a competitive one with playoff implications on the line. Both teams will be looking to end their season on a high note and secure a victory in this divisional showdown. It should be an exciting game to watch for fans of both teams and football enthusiasts alike.