The Cleveland Browns bolstered their playoff bid with a thrilling two-point victory over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14. This Saturday, the Browns will look to make back-to-back wins when they host the struggling Las Vegas Raiders at FirstEnergy Stadium. Here's a breakdown of this key Raiders vs Browns clash.
Las Vegas Raiders enter Week 15 as +6 underdogs
The Las Vegas Raiders lost for the fifth time in six games, suffering a humiliating 48-9 defeat at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs. The Raiders had no answer for Patrick Mahomes, who threw for 258 yards and a couple of touchdowns.
It was a crushing defeat for the Raiders, who lost more ground to the Chiefs in the race for the AFC West title. They trail Kansas City by three games following their loss in Week 14. To make matters worse for the Raiders, they dropped to 12th place in the AFC with a 6-7 record, putting their hopes of landing a wild card spot in jeopardy.
For the Raiders to end their losing skid against the Browns, they will need to get a much-improved performance from quarterback Derek Carr. He completed 33 of 45 passes for 263 yards with one touchdown and one interception in the loss to the Chiefs.
Las Vegas' offense has struggled of late, scoring 16 points or fewer in seven of their past ten games. The Raiders have lost all of those games, contributing to their massive drop in the standings.
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Cleveland Browns installed as -6 favorites
The Cleveland Browns stayed in the thick of the AFC playoff race with a nerve-wracking 24-22 win over the Baltimore Ravens. It was a huge victory for the Browns, who moved to within a game of leaders Baltimore in the AFC North standings. They currently hold the same record as the Indianapolis Colts and the Buffalo Bills, who are sixth and seventh, respectively, in the AFC.
Myles Garrett starred for the Browns in the Week 14 win, scoring his first career touchdown after stripping Ravens backup quarterback Tyler Huntley and forcing a fumble. That helped Cleveland build a 24-3 lead over Baltimore in the first half.
Myles Garrett strips, scoops and scores! #Browns @Flash_Garrett
— NFL (@NFL) December 12, 2021
📺: #BALvsCLE on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/yR3s2NLwqu
However, the Browns' offensive woes resurfaced in the second half, bringing the Ravens back in the game. Baltimore scored 16 unanswered points during that period, cutting the lead to two with 1:17 remaining in the game. The Browns' worst nightmare unfolded soon after as the Ravens recovered their onside kick to regain possession.
Fortunately for the Browns, the Ravens could not advance the ball to field goal range with cornerback Denzel Ward making a key stop on wide receiver Rashod Bateman on a 4th and 6 situation to seal the win for Cleveland.
Writer's Prediction
Cleveland wins and covers the spread.
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