5 Matchups to watch in Cleveland Browns Week 1 game against the Ravens

2. Sheldon Richardson vs D.J. Fluker

Finally, a matchup that heavily favors the Cleveland Browns. The Baltimore Ravens will be trying to replace future Hall of Fame offensive lineman Marshal Yanda, and their replacement will be playing his first game in a Ravens uniform against the Cleveland Browns this Sunday. To be the guy that has to follow up any Hall of Famer is extremely unfortunate. There’s no way that D.J. Fluker will be able to play at nearly the same level as Yanda did last season.

Fluker is entering his eighth season in the NFL and is on his fourth team. He’s started almost everywhere he’s been and isn’t a bad player. He’s pretty much an average starting NFL offensive lineman. Luckily for the Browns, Sheldon Richardson is light years better than average.

Richardson hasn’t been able to post elite pass rush numbers since the 2014 season but has consistently been a good pass-rushing threat throughout his career. Richardson will likely have many one-on-one opportunities this game against Fluker and will be going up against him almost every play.

If he is able to get some pressure on Lamar and even knock Fluker back into the Ravens’ rushing lanes, it should be a difficult night for their offense to get going. Last season in the playoffs, the Ravens were really neutralized by their offensive line just getting dented by Tennessee’s defensive line. The Browns defensive line and specifically Sheldon Richardson is going to have a great opportunity to do so.

Of all of these matchups mentioned, this is the one that the Cleveland Browns have the best odds of winning.