Why the Baltimore Ravens will crush the Cleveland Browns today

Upgraded defense, Lamar Jackson to spur the Baltimore Ravens win over Browns

The Baltimore Ravens have plenty to play for this week as they go on the road to take on their divisional rival, Cleveland Browns — top seed, home field advantage, ending the Browns season, etc. They also have that little 40-25 humiliation from earlier this season to chew on leading up to kickoff.

Sure, quarterback Baker Mayfield has had moderate success against the Ravens, sporting a 2-1 record. And you know they’d love to salvage some kind of dignity from an unsatisfying season by sweeping the league’s most dominant team. They do have some motivation here.

But I don’t think it’s going to be particularly close. Not this time.

If the Ravens can control both sides of the line of scrimmage, they should be able to generally have their way in this game, I think they will. I also think a relentless run game and some downfield throws to the middle of the field will be plenty to get the Ravens to the finish line in this one.

Brandon Williams and Michael Pierce should be able to generate a consistent push up the middle against the Browns’ interior line, and the upgrades at the edge and off-ball positions should be able to muster a better effort this time against star running back Nick Chubb.
This is an important consideration, as Williams was missing the first time these teams squared off in September, and the Ravens have added Domata Peko, Justin Ellis, Josh Bynes, Jihad Ward and L.J. Fort, mostly solidifying their run defense. There are still some issues defending the edges, particularly when rookie pass-rusher Jaylon Ferguson has been on the field, but it’s better. Tons better.

The secondary, among the league’s best, should be able to control the Browns passing game. Another huge addition to this defense since the September disaster has been cornerback Marcus Peters, whose strong play since arriving in Baltimore has earned him a Pro Bowl nod. Also, Jimmy Smith is back from injury now, giving the Ravens a deep and talented backfield to smother the Browns receivers.

Marlon Humphrey has done a nice job bringing his athleticism and physicality to the slot, and Peters ensures that the Ravens stay strong on the outside, pick your poison against this backfield, featuring three Pro Bowlers.

Bold predictions

• The Ravens get three turnovers on the game, and are able to take one in for a score.
• The Ravens run for more than 230 yards.
• Marquise “Hollywood” Brown goes over 100 yards, with two long plays.

Final score

Ravens 41 Browns 9