Ravens Look to Clinch AFC North Against Struggling Browns

Ravens Look to Clinch AFC North Against Struggling Browns

The Baltimore Ravens (11-5) can secure the AFC North title when they host the Cleveland Browns (3-13) on Saturday in the opening game of NFL Week 18. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. ET at M&T Bank Stadium.

Baltimore enters the matchup riding a three-game winning streak, including a dominant 31-2 victory over the Houston Texans on Christmas Day. Meanwhile, Cleveland has lost five straight games, most recently falling to the Miami Dolphins 20-3 in Week 17.

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson continues his exceptional season, ranking sixth in NFL passing yards (3,955) and second in passing touchdowns (39), while leading the league in QBR (78). He’s added 852 rushing yards and four ground scores to his impressive campaign. Rookie receiver Zay Flowers has emerged as Jackson’s top target, accumulating 73 catches for 1,047 yards and four touchdowns.

For Cleveland, receiver Jerry Jeudy has been a bright spot, ranking 13th in the league with 84 receptions and sixth with 1,166 receiving yards. On defense, Myles Garrett remains a disruptive force with 14 sacks and 21 tackles for loss this season.

The Ravens are heavily favored, with oddsmakers setting the spread at 19.5 points and the over/under at 41.5 points. Baltimore has performed well against the spread this season (9-6-1), while Cleveland has struggled (4-12).