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Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns NFL Week 9 Picks & Odds

Written by Jimmy Boyd

The Ravens head into to Cleveland to take on the Browns in an AFC North clash Sunday and odds makers are telling us to get ready for a dog fight. The books have listed the Browns as slight 1.5-point favorites with the total set at 36.5.

The Ravens came into the season known as a defensive power but the offense has shown some life lately. The 4-3 Ravens have averaged 28 points per game during its current two game winning streak to move within one game of Pittsburgh for the division lead. The back-to-back wins were essential as Baltimore has lost three in a row prior to the winning streak.

The Ravens and Browns have already met this season with Baltimore prevailing 28-10 in a controversial meeting.

Ravens head man John Harbaugh sent tapes into the league office asking for a review of two incidents in which he felt Browns players were intentionally eye-gouging running back Willis McGahee. The NFL was not in agreement with Harbaugh. McGahee was forced to leave that matchup on two occasions after being cut on his right eyelid and getting poked in his left eye.

Baltimore’s ground game was effective in the earlier season meeting with three backs combining to rush for 151 yards. The Ravens come in averaging 165.5 yards per game during its last two victories.

Baltimore has spiced the offense using two quarterbacks in a single-wing set at times – Troy Smith and Joe Flacco. The formation gained the Ravens 75 yards on just four plays last week. On the first two snaps Smith took, he ran between the tackles. The third time, he ran around end and pitched to Ray Rice for a 21-yard gain. Then came his pass to Flacco, who lined up as a wide receiver on the left side.

While the offense has sparked of late, defense is still the calling card of the Ravens. The Ravens are tied with the Steelers for the second ranked defense in the league in terms of points allowed per game with 15.7.

It was the defense which came up big in last month’s matchup with the Browns as Baltimore turned two of Cleveland quarterback Derek Anderson’s three picks into touchdowns during a 50-second time frame in the third quarter. If you this Baltimore will have Cleveland’s number again this week, bet the Ravens at +1.5 at BetUS and receive up to a 50% sign up bonus.

Anderson has looked much better in recent weeks, passing for 830 yards and five touchdowns. Most importantly, he only has one interceptions during the Browns last four games which has gone a long way in helping them win three of those contests.

Anderson did not need Pro Bowl tight end Kellen Winslow to torch a good Jacksonville defense through the air last week. He threw for 246 yards and a touchdown in the 23-17 win

The Browns didn’t miss a beat with Winslow out last Sunday as backup tight end Steve Heiden stepped right in and led the team with 73 yards receiving. He gained 51 of them on one play that set up a Cleveland’s second touchdown.

Cleveland will have history on its side this week as the Browns has won their annual home game with the Ravens in three of the last four years. If you think Cleveland can get its revenge over Baltimore this week, bet the Browns at -1.5 at BetUS.

Editor’s Note: Jimmy Boyd has his 5* AFC North Division Game of the Year going on this game in his Week 9 NFL picks package. Find out where the smart money is going on this matchup and beat the NFL odds by playing Jimmy’s unstoppable. Leave you NFL betting up to Expert Handicapper Jimmy Boyd this week and reap the rewards.

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Written by Jimmy Boyd on October 31, 2008 · Filed Under NFL Betting Articles, News & Previews

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