Cleveland Browns Week 4 predictions vs. first place Ravens

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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns calls a play at the line of scrimmage in the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Writer: Justice Sunderland

Game: Cleveland Browns vs. Baltimore Ravens Prediction: This week the Browns will face their first true road test of the season as they travel to Baltimore and a high powered Ravens offense. Both teams are coming off of hard losses in week three.

The Ravens have struck gold with their offense so far this season, running the ball effectively and then using the threat of that to create space in the passing game.

They come into the game with the top rushing attack in the NFL averaging more than 200 yards per game. The threat of the run forces the linebackers and safeties to play closer to the line of scrimmage which opens up the middle of the field. That is where a trio of talented tight ends have made their impact.

Mark Andrews, Nick Boyle, and Hayden Hurst have combined for 33 catches and three touchdowns already this season. Hopefully, the Browns will get back starting safeties Damarious Randall and Morgan Burnett back after they missed last week’s game. Offensively the Browns will have to attack through the air because the Ravens come into this game with the second-ranked run defense. But they have been extremely vulnerable against the pass.

They are ranked 27 against the pass and they can’t have a lot of confidence after they were destroyed by Patrick Mahomes last week. This should work perfectly for Cleveland and head coach Freddie Kitchens because they have not been running the ball enough.

But this is the week to throw to Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry all day and let them carry you to victory. Nick Chubb shouldn’t have a huge impact this week but his pass protection will be key to slow down a good pass rush.

This game can turn into a shootout if the Browns can’t find a way to slow down the Ravens rushing attack and that is exactly what I expect to happen.

Cleveland has struggled this year so far but if they can force Lamar Jackson to beat them with his arm — and by forcing him to pass to wide receivers and not tight ends — they have a chance.

Next. 5 Areas Browns need improvement. dark

Look for Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Jr. to have huge games. The Browns will shock a lot of people here and get back on the right track.

Prediction: Browns 35 Ravens 25

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