(110/100)
2* Cleveland -5........ the reports coming out of Baltimore are deplorable and the ravens are a lame duck in d.c. while history dictates dominance over the browns, 7 out of the 11 starters are sidelined on offense and indications that shaub has regressed well below the mean even compared to his spiraling desent in Houston play days, if that is even possible.
It seems ludicrous that the browns are even favored, by more than a fg is rather absurd; but considering the raven's current state of health, a division sweep is very real. I hate going against a division sweep, esp. on a two cover year; but browns look to be on a bit of an upswing with McCown back in the saddle, coming off a bye, at home, and catching Baltimore at the perfect time.
I don't like that the brown has the worst run stop unit in the league; but (once again) forsett is out and the colossal gap between flacco to shaub is too big to ignore. Maybe Baltimore gets a couple of fg's tonight, but don't see much endzone action. Even with Flacco, the offensive line was a leak and it was primarily due to Joe's resolve did the raven even compete. His absence will be sorely missed.
Ravens defense has also been below par. The "ring leader's" and "motivators" of past teams are gone, the defense line is aging; but they will be on the field all night long due to offensive 3 & out. Not too imaginative scenario, but injuries in key positions will be insurmountable. I like how Pettine has tried to bolster some team discipline and still remains energetic this season despite being another lost cause.
The line is in no man's land, bumping from the 3.5 to 5; giving up the big cuatro (4), which may come back to haunt me, as game could be a low scoring snoozer; betting on the browns gives me acid reflux; but give me the better team at home to bring home the bacon tonight.
Prediction: Cleveland 31, Baltimore 6