NFL Week 18: Browns v Ravens & Bengals v Steelers preview & tips

The final week of the NFL season kicks off this Sunday (AEDT) with a pair of blockbuster clashes that will decide the AFC North. Below are our game previews and betting tips for both games.

Cleveland Browns v Baltimore Ravens

Sunday, January 5 – 8:30am AEDT – M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore

With a chance to secure the AFC North title, the Baltimore Ravens, at -2500, enter as the biggest betting favourite with Marantelli Bet of the season against the Cleveland Browns.

The Ravens are on a hot streak, winning each of their last three games by over 17 points, including a dominant 31-2 win over the Texans on Christmas Day.

Quarterback Lamar Jackson is right in the mix for the MVP at +250 with leading NFL bookmakers, while running back Derrick Henry is second in the league for total rushing yards. Defensively, they have improved substantially in the second half of the season, so expect them to comfortably deal with the Browns.

Cleveland have lost each of their last five games and currently hold the third pick in the draft. Over the last three weeks, they have scored just 16 total points, while they have the worst turnover differential in the NFL this season.

This game should be a simple pick, with the Ravens expected to run rampant. The line is set at a whopping 20 points, but given the alternating form of the two teams, Baltimore should still do enough to cover.

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Cincinnati Bengals v Pittsburgh Steelers

Sunday, January 5 – 12:00pm AEDT – Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh

In the second game of the day, there are plenty of playoff scenarios for both teams as the Bengals head to Pittsburgh.

For the Bengals, it’s a simple equation of win and hope that both the Broncos and the Dolphins lose their matchups to secure the seven seed.

On the other hand, the Steelers have three possible scenarios with the playoffs already secured. If the Ravens lose and the Steelers win, they will win the AFC North; if the Ravens win and the Steelers win, they clinch the fifth seed and head to Houston; or if the Steelers lose, they clinch the sixth seed and face Baltimore.

Heading into this clash, the Bengals are favourites after winning each of their last four games. Quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase are the best offensive duo in the NFL, while the team ranks sixth in the NFL for points scored. Defence has been a problem all season, but recently their offence has been so strong that it hasn’t mattered.

On the other hand, the Steelers are crawling towards the playoffs after losing their last three games. The offence has scored just 13 points per game across that span, while their previously NFL-leading defence has conceded an average of 30 points. Last time these sides met, the Steelers won 44-38, but the team seems very different five weeks later.

Home field advantage will play a major role in this clash, but given the form of the Bengals, it is hard to look past the visitors in this game. Nearly every week, Cincinnati are involved in a shootout, but with such a potent offence, expect them to get the job done and keep their playoff hopes alive.

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