It’s not just rivalry week in college football. There are plenty of rivalry matchups in the NFL this week and Sunday Night Football features one of the better ones between the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens.
Despite some really poor performances from both of these teams throughout the year, the Browns and Ravens are both over .500 and fighting for the AFC North. The Browns have been trading wins and are coming off a 13-10 win against the Lions after being massive favorites.
Meanwhile, for the Ravens, Lamar Jackson wasn’t feeling well enough to play on the road against the Bears last week. Still, backup quarterback Tyler Huntley did enough to help the Ravens to a 16-13 win, keeping Baltimore in first place in the AFC North.
With Lamar Jackson expected to return under center in this game, here are our picks and predictions for the Sunday Night Showdown between the Ravens and the Browns.
All NFL gameday odds and lines current as of 9:00 a.m. ET on Tuesday, November 23.
Sunday Night Football Prediction Week 12
The Cleveland Browns were booed by their own fans last week after a 13-10 win over the Detroit Lions. Not only are the Lions winless, but they played Tim Boyle at quarterback, who threw two interceptions and looked awful under center. The Browns still won but they struggled to win big and really don’t look good.
On the other hand, the Ravens defeated the Bears last week thanks to a miracle throw from Huntley late in the fourth quarter that set up a big game-winning touchdown.
The Ravens, like the Browns, have been alternating wins and losses the last four weeks, but that will obviously change this week as they’re both coming off wins (unless there’s a tie!)
Sportsbook Play of the Day
Before you continue reading our Sunday Night Football Week 12 predictions and tipster picks, you should know that Caesars Sportsbook is one of the best in the industry, offering great promotions and matching your first bet up to $1,001 (win or lose) when you sign up with the code .
Read Chris Wassel’s Caesars Sportsbook review for more insight and get your welcome bonus below, or continue reading this analysis for our SNF betting tips.
The Ravens are averaging 24.7 points per game while allowing 23 points per game. The offense has been really solid, gaining 421.5 yards per game with over 270 yards passing. Coming into the season, most believed the Ravens would rely mostly on their rushing game, but Jackson has adapted and throws the ball plenty.
On defense, the Ravens have struggled with tackling, but have put together a solid pass rush that has been able to get pressure on the quarterback. The coverage is still weak and the rushing defense hasn’t been tested as much as it should, to be completely honest.
- Get a FREE $10 Live Bet to use on SNF at PointsBet.
The Browns might be that team to test the Ravens with their run game. Cleveland rushes the ball for 156.8 yards per game and Nick Chubb looked great after returning from the Covid-19 list in Week 11. Plus, the Browns will want to keep the ball out of Baker Mayfield‘s hands for most of this contest.
Mayfield is one of the few quarterbacks that has taken a big step backwards from earlier in his career, throwing just 10 touchdown passes with six interceptions through 11 games this season.
Meanwhile, Cleveland’s defense has shown up, especially in the passing game. The pass rush and coverage has shut down opposing teams to just 233 yards passing per game. However, the rushing defense is still not up to par.
SNF Week 12 Pick: Ravens 23, Browns 20
Can the Baltimore Ravens win their NFL Week 12 AFC North matchup against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday Night Football? (Image: USA TODAY Sports)
Sunday Night Football Best Bets Week 12
SNF Best Bet: Browns +4 (-110) at Caesars
Like I said above, most teams really haven’t tested the Ravens with their running game. The Browns are the one team that could do just that. The offensive line has blocked extremely well, and a healthy Chubb makes the Browns a serious threat on the ground again.
Meanwhile, the Ravens have analytically been worse on the defensive end this season and have struggled immensely in coverage.
I’ll rely on the Browns running game to keep this one close, and while I don’t think the Browns necessarily win, I do believe this game stays within a field goal.
Therefore, I’ll take the Browns at +4 for our NFL bet of the day.
SNF Best Bet: Under 46.5 Total Points (-110) at Caesars
My score prediction believes this game will finish with 46 points, so I’ll take the Under here. Clearly, this game is going to be tight throughout. The Browns secondary has been tremendous, and with Lamar Jackson a bit rusty, I’d expect the Ravens to attack the Browns in the run game.
On the other hand, I’ve already said that I expected the Browns to keep most of their offense on the ground against the Ravens.
With two teams using a steady diet of rushing plays, I’m more comfortable with the Under. A couple drives might stall for field goals instead of touchdowns, which would also help the Under.
Thanks for reading our NFL Week 12 SNF picks! Check out our Week 12 Best Bets for more NFL betting tips.
