3 storylines to watch as Browns try and clip Ravens

The Cleveland Browns took a loss in Week 14 and now will look to bounce back against the Ravens. Here are three storylines to watch. 

While the chances are even bleaker than a week ago, a playoff berth for the Cleveland Browns is still on the table. A win against the Baltimore Ravens will go a long way to keep those hopes alive and kicking.

There are plenty of differences for both teams from the last time they met back in Week 7 when the Ravens were victorious 23-20. One team gained a franchise quarterback – despite how he has looked in his first two weeks – while the other team lost their franchise guy for at least another week.

Cleveland returns home to FirstEnergy Stadium after being on the road for the previous two contests. Will the home cooking be enough to keep the playoff hopes alive?

Here are three storylines to watch as the Browns try and clip the Ravens.

3: Can the Browns take advantage of Lamar Jackson’s absence?

It is looking more likely that the Ravens will have Tyler Huntley under center and not Lamar Jackson, who is still nursing a knee injury. Can the Browns take advantage?

In nine career games against Cleveland (eight starts), Jackson has thrown for 1,404 yards, 11 touchdowns, and six interceptions, while also rushing for 570 ard and four scores. The Ravens are 6-3 against the Browns when Jackson plays.

This seems like a golden opportunity for Cleveland to take advantage and keep the slim playoff hope alive. Huntley has started five games for the Ravens, who are 2-3 in those games. In his only start this season last week against the Steelers, Huntley completed 8-of-12 passes for 88 yards before leaving due to injury. In relief of Jackson in Week 13, he went 27-of-32 for 187 yards and a pick, while also rushing 10 times for 41 yards and a touchdown.

This would be an ideal game for Myles Garrett to take over and bring Huntley down early and often to really help will his team to the postseason dance.