NFL Saturday betting predictions & free footy preview | January 4

The final week of the NFL season is set to kick off this Saturday with two high-stakes matchups that will determine the AFC North champion. Below are our game previews and betting tips for both clashes.

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Cleveland Browns @ Baltimore Ravens

Saturday, January 4 – 4:30pm EST – M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore

The Baltimore Ravens, priced at -2500, enter this game as overwhelming sportsbook favorites and have an opportunity to secure the AFC North title. They’ve been on a tear, winning three straight games by 17 or more points, including a dominant 31-2 victory over the Texans on Christmas Day.

Quarterback Lamar Jackson remains a strong MVP contender at +250 with Bovada , while running back Derrick Henry has been a powerhouse, ranking second in the league for rushing yards. The Ravens’ defense has also significantly improved in the latter half of the season, making them well-positioned to handle the struggling Cleveland Browns.

The Browns have lost five straight games and currently hold the third pick in the upcoming draft. Scoring just 16 points over their last three games and struggling with the NFL’s worst turnover differential, Cleveland faces an uphill battle.

Baltimore is expected to dominate this matchup. The line is set at 20 points—a massive spread—but the Ravens’ consistent form should see them cover comfortably.

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Cincinnati Bengals @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Saturday, January 4 – 8:00pm EST – Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh

This matchup has significant playoff implications as the Bengals travel to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers.

For Cincinnati, the path is simple: win and hope for losses by both the Broncos and Dolphins to claim the seventh seed in the AFC.

Meanwhile, the Steelers’ postseason spot is secure, but their seeding depends on this game. If Pittsburgh wins and Baltimore loses, they take the AFC North title. A Steelers win coupled with a Ravens victory locks Pittsburgh into the fifth seed, while a loss places them in the sixth spot.

The Bengals enter as Bovada favorites after four consecutive wins. Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase form the NFL’s most electric offensive duo, propelling the Bengals to sixth in points scored. While their defense has been shaky this season, their high-powered offense has made up for any shortcomings.

Conversely, the Steelers are limping into the playoffs, having lost their last three games. Their offense has averaged just 13 points during that stretch, while their once-dominant defense has given up 30 points per game. Despite defeating Cincinnati 44-38 earlier in the season, Pittsburgh appears to be a different team now.

Home-field advantage could play a factor, but Cincinnati’s recent form and firepower give them the edge. Expect another high-scoring game, with the Bengals doing enough to secure the win and keep their playoff hopes alive.

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Sports betting picks

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