Ravens (8-4) at Browns (6-6)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio TV: CBS
Tipico Sportsbook line: Browns by 2 ⁄2
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Ravens’ keys to victory: Baltimore is in the driver’s seat of the AFC North despite QB Lamar Jackson’s continued struggles. To pull out a victory in Cleveland, the Ravens will need Jackson to be dynamic in both the pass and run games. Last time the two teams met, in Week 12, Jackson threw four interceptions and rushed for 68 yards. But the defense’s ability to stop the run and force teams to be pass-oriented is perfectly suited for shutting down the Browns.
Browns’ keys to victory: Cleveland cannot expect the same kind of performance from its defense as it had in Week 12 but needs DE Myles Garrett and company to still make a difference against Jackson. The biggest key for the Browns is getting their offense going, starting with their run game. Head coach Kevin Stefanski may have to scheme up creative screens to start to open things up for QB Baker Mayfield in the passing game. RBs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt need to get involved in a variety of ways.
Matchup to watch: Ravens LB Tyus Bowser vs. Browns RT Blake Hance. Cleveland lost starting right tackle Jack Conklin early in that Week 12 matchup. Baltimore had great success in attacking his replacement, Hance. Bowser leads the Ravens in sacks (5.5) and can rush from all over the field, causing havoc for the Browns’ offense. Baltimore’s stellar run defense could force Cleveland to throw the ball often.
Who wins? The Ravens’ loss to Pittsburgh in Week 13 creates urgency for them, but Cleveland needs this game more.
Browns, 24-21