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Week 1 score predictions: Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens

By Randy Gurzi

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 22: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns hands the ball off to Nick Chubb #24 during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. Baltimore defeated Cleveland 31-15. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 22: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns hands the ball off to Nick Chubb #24 during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. Baltimore defeated Cleveland 31-15. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Browns
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates as Nick Chubb #24 (not pictured) rushes for a fourth quarter touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Prediction No. 7

Writer: Casey Kinnamon

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

We. Are. Back. The wait is over and finally, the 2020 NFL season is upon us. The Cleveland Browns head to M&T Bank Stadium to take on the Baltimore Ravens. There will be no fans in attendance, due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, so home-field should not be much of an advantage for the Ravens. The Browns will be looking for their first season-opening win since 2004.

The Ravens spent the vast majority of 2019 running roughshod over opposing defenses, and they will look to pick up where they left off in the season opener. What is unknown, due to zero preseason games, is how much they will be looking to expand their offense and, more specifically, Lamar Jackson responsibilities.

The Browns are an unknown commodity themselves heading into 2020 with a brand-new coaching staff that has ushered in new offensive and defensive philosophies. With all the pieces to be successful in place, it will be all about execution for the Browns.

On offense, the Browns need to get their wide zone running game going early to allow Baker Mayfield to be successful on his play-action fakes. Expect a heavy dose of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt in early downs to take the pressure off of Mayfield. Austin Hooper, Harrison Bryant, and David Njoku could all have large roles this week, with the Browns running plenty of two tight end sets. If the Browns are able to get the Ravens on their heels, there should be three or four deep-shot plays to Odell Beckham, Jr. in the game plan.

Defensively, the Browns must dictate the down and distance against Lamar Jackson. If the Browns are unable to keep the Ravens facing third and more than six yards, then the Ravens will come downhill at the Browns until they prove they can stop it. Look for J.K. Dobbins to play more of a role than the depth chart would indicate.

This writer expects to see a back and forth affair with two teams trading haymakers deep into the fourth quarter. In the end, it will be the Browns that end their infamous streak and leave Maryland with an early lead in the AFC North and some crab cakes for the road.

Prediction: Cleveland Browns 28 Baltimore Ravens 27

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