There is never a good time for your starting quarterback to be hurt. But one of the worst times is before two divisional games against teams that are tied for second. The Baltimore Ravens are in first in the AFC North at 4-1, but the Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, and Pittsburgh Steelers are all 3-2. The Ravens get the Browns this week, then the Bengals next week.

So we face the classic question here with Lamar Jackson. Do they risk bringing him back this week, where he could potentially suffer a setback? Or do they potentially risk losing this game to a division rival while they focus on the bigger picture? 

🏅 Ravens vs. Browns Expert Pick: Deshaun Watson Rushing Yards Over 29.5 Yards (-108 on DraftKings)

This is a bet we’ve actually taken advantage of a couple of times. And we’ll probably continue to do that until the books respect what is actually happening in Cleveland. Deshaun Watson isn’t just back to being healthy, but he’s back to playing the way he used to, which includes a lot of running. And not just around the pocket or scrambling - Todd Monken is straight up calling run plays with Watson.

Watson’s 37 rush attempts are the second most among quarterbacks this year behind only Josh Allen’s 43. If you dig deeper and remove all of the scrambles, the kneel-downs, and the QB sneaks to get pure designed run plays, Watson actually leads the league with 13 while Allen is second with 11 and no one else has more than 7. With the injuries to the running backs that the Browns have seen, I don’t see why they wouldn’t continue to lean on Watson in that capacity.

So far, Deshaun Watson has hit the over on this number in three of five games. But anyone who goes back to watch the Steelers game will realize there was a very strange play that looked like a strip sack by TJ Watt that technically counted as a -12 yard run for Watson. That’s how he had six carries, which included a 21-yard run in that game, but only ended up with 22 rushing yards. So the reality is that Watson would have actually hit the over on this number in four out of five games if it wasn’t for that wonky play. So we are going to bet the over on him here again. 

 

 

 

👀 How To Watch Ravens vs. Browns NFL Week 5

  • Where: Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, OH
  • When: 1 PM ET on 10/18
  • Watch on TV: FOX
  • Where to stream: NFL+

🔢 Ravens vs. Browns Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines

 

 

 

🏉 Ravens vs. Browns Injury Report & Latest News

The big story here is obviously Lamar Jackson. He sprained his ankle against the Titans in Week 4 and did not return in that game, then missed the Week 5 overtime win over Atlanta entirely. He has not practiced yet this week, though he still has a chance to play. Tyler Huntley has been solid in the interim, winning both starts, but the Ravens are a different team when their franchise quarterback is healthy. Even setting aside Jackson’s status, Baltimore is dealing with a 19-player injury report: cornerback Marlon Humphrey (hamstring/calf) and tackles Ronnie Stanley (toe/ankle) and Roger Rosengarten (knee) were all limited, while new center acquisition Cam Jurgens is working through the concussion protocol after being traded to Baltimore last week. The good news is that tight end Mark Andrews (hand), safety Kyle Hamilton (stinger), and edge rusher Trey Hendrickson (finger) all returned to full practice. They could also get back rookie wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane soon.

The Cleveland Browns are dealing with an injury list of their own that has thinned out their roster in a significant way. The defensive line has been hit especially hard with Mason Graham (knee/ankle), Mike Hall Jr. (ankle), Maliek Collins (foot), and Kalia Davis (quad) all missing practice time, potentially leaving Cleveland without multiple starters up front against the Ravens and Derrick Henry. Offensive linemen Tytus Howard (knee) and Teven Jenkins (back) also did not practice, compounding questions on both sides of the ball. Part of the reason we like our Deshaun Watson bet is the injuries to the running backs. Raheim Sanders was sent to IR, and it doesn’t look good for starter Quinshon Judkins. They are attempting to rush Dylan Sampson back from injured reserve, but it could be Jaleel McLaughlin and recent signee Audric Estime for Cleveland. 

💲 How To Make Ravens vs. Browns Predictions At DraftKings & Claim A $200 Sportsbook Bonus

  1. Click here 👈🏼 to join DraftKings
  2. Place a $5 bet
  3. Get $200 in bonus bets!