Ebony Bird
FanSided

Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns week 1 Ebony Bird round table

By Richard Bradshaw

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 22: Sione Takitaki #44 of the Cleveland Browns attempts to tackle Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens during the game at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. Baltimore defeated Cleveland 31-15. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 22: Sione Takitaki #44 of the Cleveland Browns attempts to tackle Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens during the game at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. Baltimore defeated Cleveland 31-15. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 8
Next
CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 22: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens runs with the ball during the game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 22, 2019, in Cleveland, Ohio. Baltimore defeated Cleveland 31-15. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 22: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens runs with the ball during the game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 22, 2019, in Cleveland, Ohio. Baltimore defeated Cleveland 31-15. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /

Davis Baker:

Unfortunately, week one of the 2020 NFL season probably will not mirror week one of last year, where the Baltimore Ravens drubbed the Miami Dolphins 59-10. I expect the Ravens to start a bit slower on offense this year, as they deal with Cleveland’s talented defensive line, featuring Myles Garrett in his first game back since being suspended.

Luckily, Lamar Jackson seems as motivated as he’s ever been to start righting the wrongs of last year’s postseason upset. The Ravens should look to incorporate Hollywood Brown as quickly as possible since he will be going up against a depleted Cleveland secondary without Grant Delpit and Greedy Williams. Mark Andrews should continue his success from last year as well, especially with the Browns inexperience at the linebacker position. Also, J.K. Dobbins will score the only rushing touchdown for the Ravens this week in his first NFL game.

Must Read. AFC North round-up: Predicting Baltimore Ravens, other’s 2020 record. light

Defensively, Baltimore needs to be ready from the start, facing one of the best skill position groups in the league. The Ravens got to see early last season that playing from behind against the Browns is not fun with how well they can run the ball. Both Calais Campbell and Derek Wolfe should have big games, with Campbell registering his first sack in a Ravens uniform. Another interesting storyline will be how Patrick Queen and Deshon Elliot both play in their first career starts. Obviously for Baltimore, I don’t think you can get much more comfortable than knowing Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters are CB1 AND CB2.

I actually think Cleveland makes it a fight all day. Baltimore will be at a supreme advantage with how familiar they are with each other and that will decide the game.  Kevin Stefanski will show great promise in his first game as head coach for the Browns, but it still will not be enough to beat the Ravens and Lamar Jackson’s three touchdown passes.

Final Score Prediction: Ravens 28, Browns 21

Home/Ravens News