Greatest NFL Betting Picks Right this moment: Saturday January 4th Browns vs. Ravens, Bengals vs. Steelers | Deadspin.com

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

The AFC North will likely be determined sooner or later throughout a double dose of division battles, beginning in Baltimore with a conflict between the Browns and, nicely, 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 greatest bets:

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

Baltimore may 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 must win the rematch to safe their second straight division title. Baltimore may clinch if Cincinnati beats Pittsburgh later Saturday, however the division must be determined earlier than that recreation kicks off.

The Ravens are rolling, having gained every of their final three video games by at the 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 tip 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 middle 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 greatest 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 workforce into playoff rivalry.

Burrow threw three touchdowns within the Bengals’ first assembly with Pittsburgh but additionally 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 least 27 factors in every of their final three video games, shedding all of them to relinquish their division result in Baltimore. 

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

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