Will status of Marvin Harrison Jr. move the line? | Browns look like Super Bowl contenders

Happy Friday, sports fans!

The weekend is here, and there will be a dizzying array of sports going on as 2023 comes to a close. On Friday night, No. 9 Missouri and No. 7 Ohio State will play in the Cotton Bowl as the New Year's Six bowl games get underway. The NHL and NBA have loaded slates, with 19 matchups between those two leagues. In the NFL, Week 17 is upon us and it includes a marquee matchup between the Cowboys and Lions on Saturday night. Consider this a sneak preview for the type of expert analysis and insight you will receive as a SportsLine subscriber.

• The MLB rumor mill is still churning as the Mets and Angels have expressed interest in slugger J.D. Martinez.
• The Dolphins have already ruled out WR Jaylen Waddle for Sunday's heavyweight matchup against the Ravens.
• Suns guard Bradley Beal, who missed five games with an ankle injury, will return on Friday against the Hornets.

All times Eastern |Game odds via SportsLineconsensus

JOE FLACCO HAS BROWNS LOOKING LIKE SUPER BOWL CONTENDERS

It wasn't long ago that Joe Flacco was watching the 2023 NFL season from his couch. That changed roughly a month ago when the Cleveland Browns gave him a call. Flacco was the Browns' fourth option this year, and there was skepticism about whether the 38-year-old could really come in cold and save the season.

But thus far, that's exactly what Flacco has done. He is 4-1 as the Browns' starting quarterback and just helped the franchise clinch a playoff berth after throwing for 309 yards and three touchdowns in a 37-20 win over the Jets on Thursday night. Now, Cleveland is 11-5 and looks like a real threat in the AFC.

CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones spoke with Flacco on Thursday night, and the veteran quarterback says there is a powerful season of belief in the Browns' locker room.

• "Now you can just feel the excitement. I think we're starting to really, really believe in ourselves. Now you've still got to go out there and do it. We still have that focus of each week, but it is special to start getting that belief."

Missouri vs. Ohio State, 8 p.m. | TV: ESPN

• The Pick: Missouri +5.5 (-111)
• Key trend: The Tigers are 5-0 ATS in games played outside of Columbia this season.

SportsLine expert Matt Severance is 71-49-1 in his last 121 college football picks.

"If you wait, you might get +6 ... or this could drop a few points. It likely hinges on the status of Buckeyes star wideout -- and hopefully future Chicago Bear -- Marvin Harrison Jr. He has hinted he might play and honestly I hope he does as a fan, but he reportedly hasn't been practicing. It's just not worth an injury risk. This is a ho-hum bowl for Ohio State but huge for Missouri, which is essentially at full strength."

Here's what else SportsLine is saying about the game:The Projection Model has a "B" pick on the total, while having "C" picks on the spread and moneyline.Get one week of picks from SportsLine completely free with the promo codeNEWSLETTER*

Knicks at Magic, 7 p.m. | TV: League Pass

• The Projection: Magic ML (-102)| Grade: A -- Strong

SportsLine's Projection model has an "A" grade on the moneyline with a "B" grade on the spread and total. The Magic are 9-3 against the spread as a favorite this season, so look for that trend to continue.

SportsLine expert picks: Our staff has combed through the Friday night NBA slate and offered their best plays as the season continues.Get one week of picks from SportsLine completely free with the promo codeNEWSLETTER*

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