The final week of the NFL regular season kicks off with an AFC North clash as the Baltimore Ravens face off against the Cleveland Browns. The Ravens, boasting an impressive 11-5 record, have their sights set on clinching the AFC North title with a victory over the struggling 3-13 Browns. The Ravens can secure the division before the Pittsburgh Steelers even play later in the day if they succeed against Cleveland.
After a convincing 31-2 victory over the Houston Texans on Christmas, the Ravens are well-rested and ready to make a statement at home in M&T Bank Stadium. In contrast, the Browns are coming off a disappointing 20-3 loss to the Miami Dolphins, struggling offensively as they have not surpassed seven points in their last three games.
Fans can catch the game on January 4 at 4:30 p.m. ET, broadcast on ABC/ESPN and available for streaming on fubo. The Ravens enter the matchup as significant favorites, with a staggering 17.5-point spread—the largest in franchise history. If the Ravens win or tie against the Browns and the Steelers lose or tie against the Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore will be crowned the AFC North champions.
This game features a powerful Ravens offense led by quarterback Lamar Jackson, who has been outstanding this season. Jackson, along with running back Derrick Henry, has formed a historic QB-RB duo, setting the record for the most rushing yards in NFL history by such a pairing. They will face a Browns defense that must rise to the occasion if they hope to contain the dynamic Ravens.
On the Browns’ side, newly appointed starting quarterback Bailey Zappe is expected to take the field, bringing with him a mixed record from previous seasons. His performance will be key in trying to propel the Browns toward a more competitive outing.
Analysis suggests Baltimore is likely to cover the large spread, especially given the Ravens’ recent strong form compared to the Browns’ ongoing struggles. Predictions lean heavily in favor of the Ravens, with a suggested score of 30-10.
As the Ravens strive for a division title, this game presents an exciting opportunity not just for Baltimore to secure their playoff position but also for a budding quarterback Zappe to make his mark in a high-stakes environment. If the Ravens perform as expected, it could be a significant boost heading into the playoffs.
In summary, expect an intense matchup where the Ravens’ formidable offense will face a Browns team eager to end their disappointing season on a high note. Given the stakes, this clash promises to be a dramatic culmination to the regular season.