Browns Ravens Odds
Written September 21, 2008 by Jack Jones
The Cleveland Browns vs Baltimore Ravens rivalry game is a crucial turning point for 2 teams going in opposite directions. Last season’s 10-6 record and Superbowl aspirations are a distant memory at this point for the 0-2 2008 Cleveland Browns. The Browns drew the misfortune of playing the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers to open the season; and they got creamed. The holes that have been exposed in Cleveland have been a #2 WR, DB and pass-rush. As the saying goes:On any given Sunday… Cleveland Browns vs Baltimore Ravens NFL betting odds have Baltimore at -2.5.
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Cleveland Browns QB Derek Anderson, has gotten off to a shaky start (57.1 passer rating) and a lack of a #2 wideout has hurt the offense. The Baltimore Ravens have been a hard to pill to swallow for opposing offenses this season, allowing an amazing 32.3 passer rating! Explosive Browns TE Kellen Winslow, will be a key factor for the Browns offense. Despite the Ravens gaudy air defense numbers, SS Dawan Landry, is a suspect cover man. The Ravens have an equally devastating run defense allowing just 2.9 yards per carry. Cleveland RB Jamal Lewis is still a bruiser but, he could be slowing down after the wear and tear of 9 NFL seasons. A real x-factor will be the health of Browns #2 WR Donte Stallworth (4.35 40-speed) who might not play. Stallworth is a key part of the Browns offense and if he is on the field he could break some long gains. Another weapon that the Browns have that should also make an impact is returner Joshua Cribbs who puts the Browns in good field position along with a well-rounded special teams.
The Cleveland Browns swiss cheese defense was torn to ribbons in the first two weeks by two high-powered offenses in Dallas and Pittsburgh. This week the Browns will draw the unfavorable task of dealing with Ravens RB Willis McGahee (4.40 40-time), who will be returning from knee surgery. McGahee, rookie RB Ray Rice (4.50 40-time) and FB LeRon McClain (19 carries 86 yds.) will be counted on to take the pressure off green QB Joe Flacco. Flacco has very-good arm strength and he has yet to turn the ball over as a rookie in his first NFL start. The Browns secondary has some holes and they are yielding an alarming 107.1 passer rating. The Ravens real problem on offense is their lack of speed at wideout. The NFL betting odds for the Cleveland Browns vs Baltimore Ravens OVER\UNDER is at 38 points.
The Browns are young team and the Ravens are counting on a young QB and veteran defense for success. Cleveland is desperate run from a win but they also could be worn out from 2 beatings from Dallas and Pittsburgh. Was Baltimore’s opening day 17-10 win over Cincy a true indication that they are better?