Best NFL Betting Picks Today: Saturday January 4th Browns vs. Ravens, Bengals vs. Steelers

It can be hectic keeping track of the NFL playoff picture during the final weekend of the regular season, but luckily we won’t have to scramble too much on Saturday.

The AFC North will be decided at some point during a double dose of division battles, starting in Baltimore with a clash between the Browns and, well, the former Browns. 

If the current Browns win that one, the spotlight shifts to the nightcap in the Steel City, where Pittsburgh can clinch the North and knock an MVP-caliber quarterback out of the playoffs in the process.

Here’s a closer look at Saturday’s best bets:

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

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

Instead, the Ravens need to win the rematch to secure their second straight division title. Baltimore can also clinch if Cincinnati beats Pittsburgh later Saturday, but the division should be decided before that game kicks off.

The Ravens are rolling, having won each of their last three games by at least 17 points. They’ll take the field on nine full days of rest after hammering Houston 31-2 on Christmas Day. 

Rust shouldn’t be a factor, as Baltimore returned from its bye week by blasting the New York Giants 35-14 to ignite its current winning streak. The Ravens’ defense has been especially stout during that stretch, allowing just 31 points. 

They’ll dig in against a futile Browns offense that has managed 16 points across its last three games and failed to reach the end zone in last week’s 20-3 loss to Miami. 

Cleveland quarterback Jameis Winston toasted Baltimore for 334 yards and three touchdowns in the teams’ first meeting, but with backups Bailey Zappe and Dorian Thompson-Robinson likely splitting snaps under center on Saturday, expect the Ravens to keep 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 played some of his best ball when it has mattered most.

The fifth-year signal-caller has already set career highs in passing yards (4,641) and touchdowns (42) while throwing just eight interceptions. He’s revived the Bengals’ season following their 4-8 start, tossing 12 scores against three picks during Cincinnati’s four-game winning streak that has vaulted the team into playoff contention.

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

The 38 points allowed by the Steelers seemed fluky at the time, but Pittsburgh’s once-stingy defense has continued to soften in recent weeks. The Steelers have surrendered at least 27 points in each of their last three games, losing all of them to relinquish their division lead to Baltimore. 

Pittsburgh’s pass defense has been especially porous, allowing three scores through the air in two straight contests. Combine those struggles with Burrow’s current streak of eight games with at least three touchdown throws, and it’s easy to bank on another big day from the Bengals’ elite QB.

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