NFL Week 3 Predictions: Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns

Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns
Sunday, 9/21/14, 1:00 PM EST
Opening Point Spread: Cleveland PK
Current Betting Line: Baltimore -2
Opening Total: 41.5
Current Total: 41.5
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

Baltimore Ravens QB Joe Flacco is 11-1 SU against the Cleveland Browns

Baltimore hits the road for the first time during the 2014 campaign, as it comes off a 26-6 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers as 2.5-point home favorites last Thursday, while going UNDER the betting total for the second consecutive contest. The Ravens were able to establish the run in gaining 157 yards on the ground last time out, which is important to consider when making your Week 3 NFL predictions, which opened up the passing game and allowed signal-caller Joe Flacco to complete 21 of 29 passes for 166 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Baltimore is 8-6 SU and 5-8-1 ATS versus AFC North opponents over the last two-plus seasons.

The Ravens have played 38 division games under head coach John Harbaugh—limiting those opponents to 20 points or less 29 different times. Baltimore has won 11 of its last 12 games against Cleveland, with Flacco being under center in each of those affairs. Offensively, the team has been very pleased with the early contributions of wide receiver Steve Smith Sr., as he ranks sixth in the league in producing 189 receiving yards on 13 catches.

Cleveland has split its first two games of the season despite losing the statistical battle in each of those affairs, as it comes off a 26-24 victory over the New Orleans Saints as 4.5-point home underdogs Sunday, while going OVER the betting total in each affair. The Browns have been held to under 25 points in their last 10 games against the Ravens, which can’t be ignored when looking over the NFL betting lines, as they’ll need to block defensive end Terrell Suggs—entering with 15 career sacks in the series. Cleveland is 5-8 SU and 4-8-1 ATS in games with betting odds of +3 to -3 since 2012.

The Browns are one of four teams without a turnover heading into this week, while they’ve been able to move the ball on the ground—averaging 152.5 rushing yards per game. Cincinnati quarterback Brian Hoyer was instrumental in leading the team to an upset win over New Orleans, as he completed 8 of 11 passes for 78 yards on the final drive.