Cleveland Browns vs. Ravens: Predicting the final game’s outcome
By Randy Gurzi
Writer: Casey Kinnamon
Cleveland Browns (7-7-1) at Baltimore Ravens (9-6)
Summary: The Cleveland Browns wrap their 2018 campaign by playing the role of spoiler. The Browns travel to Baltimore to take on the division-leading Ravens. The Ravens need a win to lock up the division title and host a home playoff game. This will be the first time that Baker Mayfield and Lamar Jackson face off against one another, a match-up that should decide the AFC North many times in the years to come.
Mayfield and company have a very tall task in front of them this week. Nothing will come easy against this stingy Ravens defensive unit. Due to the style of offense the Ravens employ there will not be a ton of opportunities for the Browns. Mayfield will need to take advantage of any mismatch he can exploit, and they will have to put points up on the board whenever the opportunity presents itself. The Browns have been one of the most efficient offenses in the league in terms of scoring touchdowns inside of the red zone these last seven games, but this week taking whatever you can get has to be the goal.
On defense, the strategy is simple: STOP THE RUN. However, actually stopping the run will be anything but simple. Lamar Jackson has been able to have his way with defenses in the rushing department. It’s hard to imagine Gregg Williams changing up his defensive strategy this late in the season, but this would be the week to bring Jabrill Peppers down in the box to be a spy. If the Browns can keep Jackson from exploiting the edges, they should be able to get off the field on 3rd downs.
No matter the outcome of the game, one way or another the Browns will be sending a hated rival to the playoffs. That being said, they might as well win. This will be an old school, smash mouth, low scoring affair. Jackson will make more mistakes than Mayfield and the Browns will score a late touchdown to seal the victory.
Cleveland Browns 24, Baltimore Ravens 23