Finest NFL Betting Picks At the moment: Saturday January 4th Browns vs. Ravens, Bengals vs. Steelers

It may be hectic protecting monitor of the NFL playoff image in the course of the last weekend of the common season, however fortunately we gained’t should scramble an excessive amount of on Saturday.

The AFC North can be determined in some unspecified time in the future throughout a double dose of division battles, beginning in Baltimore with a conflict between the Browns and, effectively, the previous Browns. 

If the present Browns win that one, the highlight shifts to the nightcap within the Metal Metropolis, the place Pittsburgh can clinch the North and knock an MVP-caliber quarterback out of the playoffs within the course of.

Right here’s a better have a look at Saturday’s finest bets:

CLEVELAND BROWNS AT BALTIMORE RAVENS (4:30 E.T.)

Baltimore might have already got the AFC North locked up if it hadn’t blown a late lead throughout a Week 8 loss at Cleveland. 

As an alternative, the Ravens have to win the rematch to safe their second straight division title. Baltimore may also clinch if Cincinnati beats Pittsburgh later Saturday, however the division needs to be determined earlier than that recreation kicks off.

The Ravens are rolling, having gained every of their final three video games by at the very least 17 factors. They’ll take the sector on 9 full days of relaxation after hammering Houston 31-2 on Christmas Day. 

Rust shouldn’t be an element, as Baltimore returned from its bye week by blasting the New York Giants 35-14 to ignite its present profitable streak. The Ravens’ protection has been particularly stout throughout that stretch, permitting simply 31 factors. 

They’ll dig in in opposition to a futile Browns offense that has managed 16 factors throughout its final three video games and failed to achieve the top zone in final week’s 20-3 loss to Miami. 

Cleveland quarterback Jameis Winston toasted Baltimore for 334 yards and three touchdowns within the groups’ first assembly, however with backups Bailey Zappe and Dorian Thompson-Robinson seemingly splitting snaps below heart on Saturday, count on the Ravens to maintain the Browns quiet and roll to a division title.

Ravens -19.5, -115 (DraftKings)

CINCINNATI BENGALS AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS (8 E.T.)

Joe Burrow has orchestrated an MVP-caliber season for Cincinnati and has performed a few of his finest ball when it has mattered most.

The fifth-year signal-caller has already set profession highs in passing yards (4,641) and touchdowns (42) whereas throwing simply eight interceptions. He’s revived the Bengals’ season following their 4-8 begin, tossing 12 scores in opposition to three picks throughout Cincinnati’s four-game profitable streak that has vaulted the staff into playoff rivalry.

Burrow threw three touchdowns within the Bengals’ first assembly with Pittsburgh but in addition had three turnovers in Cincinnati’s 44-38 Week 13 loss. 

The 38 factors allowed by the Steelers appeared fluky on the time, however Pittsburgh’s once-stingy protection has continued to melt in current weeks. The Steelers have surrendered at the very least 27 factors in every of their final three video games, dropping all of them to relinquish their division result in Baltimore. 

Pittsburgh’s move protection has been particularly porous, permitting three scores by way of the air in two straight contests. Mix these struggles with Burrow’s present streak of eight video games with at the very least three landing throws, and it’s simple to financial institution on one other massive day from the Bengals’ elite QB.

Joe Burrow over 2.5 passing touchdowns, +125 (DraftKings)