Browns vs. Ravens Predictions, Picks & Odds: NFL Week 18, Saturday 1/4
We’ve got more Saturday NFL action on the menu to kick off Week 18, and this weekend, it’s all about the AFC North. It all begins in Baltimore with the Ravens hosting the Cleveland Browns, which is why we’ve broken down our top Browns vs. Ravens predictions to provide you with a best bet.
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Browns vs. Ravens Predictions For NFL Week 18, Saturday 1/4
With no Thursday Night Football last night, this AFC North rivalry is the first kickoff of the NFL Week 18 slate. It’s also among the biggest mismatches we’ve seen the entire season, as the Browns vs. Ravens odds have Baltimore as favorites of 17.5 points!
Given the vast differences in motivation for the two teams, the home field advantage, talent gap and plenty more, it’s not a huge surprise. Even with that huge spread, we’re going to be focusing on a side for the best bet from our Browns vs. Ravens predictions, but with a bit of a twist.
Overall, we’re predicting that Baltimore is going to want to get in and get out with a quick, comfortable win, as a first-round bye cannot be had.
Cleveland Browns: Deshaun’s Deal Redone
While the Ravens are eyeing their playoff scenarios, the Browns are focused on their offseason ones. They’ve started three different QBs this season, and for fans in Cleveland, that’s par for the course. However, the question marks for next season have apparently been answered.
Despite playing quite poorly prior to his season-ending injury, the Browns are once again backing QB Deshaun Watson. The former Texan hasn’t quite been the same since his time in Houston, but somewhat recently, the Browns restructured his contract, meaning that he is expected to be the signal-caller again for the 2025-26 season.
Baltimore Ravens: Stealing From The Steelers
NFL schedule-makers have made the Saturday action all about the AFC North thanks to the fact that the division is still on the line. With the Ravens’ win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas, they have set themselves up with a chance to snatch the crown.
After a worrisome 0-2 start to the season and Pittsburgh exceeding expectations, Baltimore has been in chase mode all year. That’s why we’re labeling a potential division title as stealing from the Steelers, as they hadn’t had the lead until Week 17. Given the matchup for Week 18, they have a strong opportunity to steal the AFC North.
Browns vs. Ravens Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines
We mentioned that the Browns vs. Ravens odds have Baltimore as massive favorites, and you can see the latest lines at FanDuel Sportsbook below:
- Point Spread: Cleveland Browns +17.5 (-108) vs. Baltimore Ravens -17.5 (-112)
- Money Line: Cleveland Browns (+1000) vs. Baltimore Ravens (-1800)
- Game Total (Over/Under): Over 42 (-112) vs. Under 42 (-108)
Browns vs. Ravens Best Bet: Baltimore -9 First Half Spread (-110 at FanDuel Sportsbook)
We also mentioned that we’d still be focusing on a side for this game with our Browns vs. Ravens predictions, and that would be Baltimore. We foreshadowed it already with our overall thought for their game plan, which is to get in and get out.
At the most basic level, we simply need to think about what these teams are playing for. Cleveland has absolutely no reason to care about this game and has zero QB stability. On the flip side, Baltimore has everything to play for.
Not only does winning the AFC North mean a division title, but it means avoiding a road playoff game in the first round for sure, if not the first two rounds. Baltimore has historically been a fantastic home team, so playing at M&T Bank Stadium is huge for them. Speaking of trends for the Ravens, they have been incredible in the first half of games this season.
Truthfully, it’s been the past couple of years, and as even casual fans recognize by now, it’s the fourth quarter that has plagued Baltimore. As for the first two quarters, their already dynamic offense has been explosive, scoring 14.9 points per game in the first half (third-most in the NFL).
Meanwhile, the Browns are on the complete opposite end of the spectrum, scoring a measly 6.5 points per game in the first half (dead last in the NFL). So, it’s no surprise that Cleveland’s 4-11-1 against-the-spread record in the first half is also dead last in the league. Therefore, the best bet from our Browns vs. Ravens predictions is Baltimore -9 in the first half (-110 at FanDuel Sportsbook).
Browns vs. Ravens Injury Report & Latest News
Long ago was the Watson injury in Cleveland, so for the Browns, their current injury concerns are pass-catchers with TE David Njoku and WR Jerry Jeudy.
Similarly, Baltimore will likely limit WR Zay Flowers in practice this week with a shoulder issue but should be ready to rock. Monitor those notes and all injury news with the Fantasy Alarm NFL injury report!
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Player News
49ers signed No. 11 pick EDGE Mykel Williams to a four-year contract.
The deal is worth $24.9 million and is fully guaranteed. As is the case with all first-round picks, his contract includes a fifth-year option. The 49ers shed hundreds of millions of dollars in contracts this offseason and the bulk of those savings came on the defensive side of the ball. Defensive end was an obvious position of need and Williams was widely regarded as the best pass-rusher on the board when 49ers GM John Lynch was on the clock. Williams totaled five sacks in 2024 and left Georgia with 14 sacks across three seasons as a starter.
Vikings signed No. 24 pick OG Donovan Jackson to a four-year contract.
It’s a fully guaranteed deal worth $17.2 million with a fifth-year team option. Minnesota taking Jackson with the 24th-overall pick came as a bit of a surprise on draft night, but the Vikings needed offensive line help and Jackson was considered worthy of a first-round pick by some draftniks. He was primarily a left guard at Ohio State but successfully kicked out to tackle for the bulk of his senior season. Jackson is likely fated for guard duties in Minnesota, but the positional versatility remains a plus.
Titans claimed Anfernee Orji off waivers from the Saints.
Orji played primarily on special teams in New Orleans but was credited with two starts across 16 appearances. He totaled 30 combined tackles and a pair of TFLs. Orji will need to continue seeing work on special teams to make the Titans’ roster.
Patriots signed RB Trayveon Williams, formerly of the Bengals.
Henderson was passed on the Cincinnati depth chart by Chase Brown last year and the team even traded for Khalil Herbert midseason. Despite having no role on offense, Williams was active for all 17 games as a special teamer. He will likely hold a similar role in New England if he cracks the team’s 53-man roster.
Free agent RB Jordan Mims worked out for the Patriots.
The Pats also worked out former Bengals running back Trayveon Williams. Mims ran 20 times for 70 yards in 2024 while adding 12 catches for 71 yards through the air. He also got some run on special teams. The Patriots are looking for some extra depth at running back, but there isn’t room for another fantasy-relevant option behind Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson.
Jaguars signed TE Quintin Morris, formerly of the Bills, to a one-year contract.
Morris is purely a blocking tight end. He caught just 15 passes during his three years with the Bills, though he did manage to find the end zone three times. Morris will back up Brenton Strange in Jacksonville.