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Ravens vs. Browns: Can Cleveland assert AFC North presence?

By Cody Williams

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns drops back to pass against the Oakland Raiders during the first quarter of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 30, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns drops back to pass against the Oakland Raiders during the first quarter of their NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 30, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Baker Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns aim to protect home field and make an AFC North statement as they welcome the Baltimore Ravens in Week 5.

The first career start for Baker Mayfield didn’t go as the Cleveland Browns had planned. Despite some early setbacks, the rookie quarterback put his team in control of the game last week and seemed to have them headed for a second-straight win. However, the wheels then came off for this team and they ultimately suffered an overtime loss. Now they hope bouncing back is in order in Week 5 as they’ll be at home to host the Baltimore Ravens.

Mayfield had four turnovers last week against Oakland, but that’s a bit misleading. You could make the argument that neither interception was his fault. Meanwhile, both of his fumbles weren’t good, but they weren’t inexcusable given the nature of the game and the rookie’s lack of reps with the first team offense to this point.

What was a bit troubling last week, however, was the Cleveland defense. After looking so stout, they trembled down the stretch and let Derek Carr pick them apart. We know the impact Myles Garrett, Christian Kirksey and Denzel Ward can have on a game. Moving forward, though, it’ll be about those stars and young leaders doing it consistently and without letting up.

As for the Ravens, they’ve been enjoying the fruits of a motivated Joe Flacco to this point. After the team selected Lamar Jackson in the first round, the Delaware product has been laser-focused. Armed with real NFL wide receivers in Michael Crabtree and John Brown, the passing offense for Baltimore has actually been existent to this point.

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The good news is that their defense, which has been good as well thus far in 2018, is about to get even better. Against the Browns, cornerback Jimmy Smith is set to return from a four-game suspension. With no Josh Gordon to worry about now for Cleveland, that overall Ravens defense will test the moxie of the rookie Mayfield from the opening kick to the final buzzer.

TV and Live Stream info

Date: Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018
Start Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Location: Cleveland, OH
Stadium: FirstEnergy Stadium
TV Info: CBS
Live Stream: FuboTV, NFL Sunday Ticket

As the team that has looked better to this point of the year, it’s not shocking that the Ravens are road favorites for this game. Given how close the Browns have played everyone this year, however, you might wonder if it should be a little closer to EVEN odds.

Betting Odds (via Odds Shark)

Point Spread: Baltimore -3
Moneyline: Baltimore -165, Cleveland +155
Over Under: 45.5

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Prediction

To this point, we’ve seen both versions of Flacco for the Ravens, but we’ve seen much less of the bad than the good. As such, I think the Browns defense is able to pull him down to Earth and force him into a rough outing on the road. With that and the continued improvement and establishment of Mayfield as Cleveland’s franchise quarterback, the home team picks up the big win.

Final Score: Baltimore 23, Cleveland 24

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