What bettors need to know: Ravens at Browns

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Line movement

The line opened at 11 and 10.5 at most books in favor of Baltimore and has stayed around that area. The total opened at 40 and has remained constant for the most part, with some dips to 39.5.

Weather

Temperatures should be in the upper 40s around kickoff with partly cloudy skies.

Injuries

Ravens defensive tackle Haloti Ngata (ankle) is questionable. Wide receiver Chansi Stuckey (calf), tight end Steve Heiden (knee) and cornerback Eric Wright (upper body) are questionable for the Browns.

Ravens nevermore in the first half

Baltimore has lost four of five games after a 3-0 start. The club's slow starts are part of the reason for the slump.

The Ravens have not scored an offensive touchdown in the first half of their past four games. That translates to nine scoreless quarters and 25 fruitless possessions. 

"I think it's a combination of two things," Baltimore wide receiver Derrick Mason said. "Mental errors and you've got to give credit to the other defense."

Downward defense

The Ravens are trying to figure out how to fix their once-elite defense.

The offense needs to stay on the field to give the defense a break. In their past four defeats, the Ravens have allowed opponents to hold the ball for 143 minutes and 58 seconds compared to just 97:02.

A few more forced turnovers would be welcomed for Baltimore backers. The club has just one interception in its last five games. Baltimore did snare four picks in a 34-3 thrashing at home against the Browns earlier this year.

Cleveland's quagmire

The bye week is supposed to be a time for rest, reflection, but the Cleveland Browns struggled to find any of that.

Browns general manager George Kokinis was fired on Nov. 2. The move followed a 30-6 loss to the Bears and Kokinis' refusal to resign after being pressured by team owner Randy Learner. Kokinis had been on the job for less than a year.

To make internal matters worse, Mangini's demanding practice regimen was criticized by running back Jamal Lewis, who claimed he has practiced in full pads this season more than any point in his NFL career.

"You can work as hard as you want. You can work all day, seven days a week all the way up to Sunday in practice. But at the same time, if you're going to work like that, then maybe on Sunday you're probably not going to get what you want out of your players," Lewis said. 

Quinn again

Mangini is going back to square one with opening day starter Brady Quinn.

Quinn was pulled at halftime of the Baltimore game earlier this season after throwing for just 34 yards and an interception. In 2.5 games this season, Quinn is 46-of-77 for 409 yards, one touchdown and two picks. 

Mangini made the move due in part to Derek Anderson's awful performance over the last five games and because Quinn was looking good in practice.  

With Quinn as starting quarterback, the Browns are 0-3 ATS this season. 

"I'm excited to play," Quinn said. "I'm excited to be part of Monday night."

Trends

Ravens are 8-0 ATS in their last eight games against a team with a losing record.

Ravens are 5-1 ATS in their last six games following a loss.

Browns are 1-6-1 ATS in their last eight home games.

Browns are 2-9-1 ATS in their last 12 games following a straight up loss.

Over is 4-1-1 in the last six meetings between these two teams.