Cleveland Browns Week 4 predictions vs. first place Ravens

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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 30: Wide receiver Jarvis Landry #80 of the Cleveland Browns walks off the field after the Baltimore Ravens 26-24 win over the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Writer: Casey Kinnamon

Game: Cleveland Browns (1-2) at Baltimore Ravens (2-1) Summary: The Cleveland Browns travel to Baltimore to take on the Ravens in their first divisional matchup of the 2019 season. Although it’s early, this game will determine first place in the AFC North. Both teams enter the divisional showdown coming off loses to top tier teams and will be looking to make a statement.

The Browns defense has been playing at a very high level the last two weeks, which is astounding considering they played one of the leagues top offenses last week without their entire starting defensive backfield. It’s doubtful that the Browns will get all of their DB’s back this week but Damarious Randall should be returning in time for this divisional tilt.

Expect Browns defensive coordinator Steve Wilks to employ a safety heavy defense to combat the running of Ravens second-year quarterback Lamar Jackson. The Browns can’t afford to let Jackson dictate the rules of engagement, or it will be a long afternoon in Baltimore. Teams have shown a tendency to limit Jackson’s effectiveness the second time facing the dynamic runner, but this is Steve Wilks’ first time getting a crack at solving the Jackson equation.

Stopping the Ravens rushing attack in early down situations and keeping them behind the sticks is imperative this week. The Browns offense needs to get out of their own way this week and that starts with forming an identity.

Freddie Kitchens would be wise to let the offense run through Nick Chubb and keep themselves from getting into predictable formations. Getting Chubb 20 plus carries needs to be the priority this week, and that will lead to opening up explosive plays in the passing game.

The one thing that could give Baker Mayfield an advantage this week isn’t anything the Ravens will or will not do. The Browns need to get out of the huddle quickly and up to the line of scrimmage with more than five seconds on the play clock.

This allows time for Mayfield to disseminate coverages and defensive personnel, which is something that the Browns and their quarterback has been poor at so far this season.

Prediction: This game is going to be too close to be decided by four quarters. They are going to need an extra frame to determine a winner. Austin Seibert will be the hero and the Browns will win an overtime thriller.

Browns 23, Ravens 20

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