Thursday Night Football: Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens

All kidding aside, while tonight’s matchup between the winless Browns and the Baltimore Ravens doesn’t look like much of a matchup, let me give you some reasons why it might surprise.

• The Baltimore pass defense is currently 7th worst and net yards per pass attempt and 6th worst in yards per pass attempt. The rush defense has been better the last two weeks, but the absence of Suggs is real. If the pass defense doesn’t play well tonight, that’s a recipe for the underdog sticking around.
• Cleveland has been more competitive and despite the 0-3 start has been in every game in the second half.
• Trent Richardson is healthier than the start of the season, and could be poised for a breakout in primetime.
• In these matchups in the AFC North (and also NFC East and AFC East) where teams are in the same climate, the home team advantage is diminished.

The Line: Baltimore by 12

The Pick: Cleveland +12, Baltimore 27, Cleveland 20

[photo via US Presswire]