Week 1 score predictions: Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens

DPD predictions for Cleveland Browns vs. Ravens, Week 1

The 2020 NFL Season is finally here and the Cleveland Browns have a tough assignment on their hands to kick the season off.

In Week 1, the Browns will be hitting the road for an AFC North showdown as they visit the Baltimore Ravens. It will be an interesting game not only due to the rivalry between the two teams, but also due to the fact that there will be no fans in the crowd.

Without that typical home-field advantage, the Browns and Ravens could be on even ground. That could help out, but will Cleveland pull off the upset?

That’s the question we answer here as the DPD crew gives their take on the upcoming game. And as always, if you like the writer’s take, click on their name to see more of their work covering the Browns.

Prediction No. 1

Writer: Joel Cade

Game Cleveland Browns (0-0) at Baltimore Ravens (0-0)

Summary: The Browns are coming into the season with a serious disadvantage heading into week one. They have had a shortened offseason with a new head coach and learning a new offensive and defensive system. Further, there have been no preseason games or joint practices to work out the bugs in the system. The Ravens have the same offensive system and defensive system. Their players have a rapport with their head coach. These are two different teams at two different stages of readiness in the COVID-19 era.

Week 1 will be a sloppy affair. The team that is most prepared will have the advantage. In this case, that team is the Ravens merely due to the fact that they are already familiar with their offense and defense. Add to that the fact that the referees seem to not call penalties on the Ravens. The Browns have played the Ravens extremely tough in Baltimore with Baker at the helm. But it is hard to believe they can overcome everything against them heading into week one.

Prediction:

Score: Baltimore 35, Browns 17