NFL Week 1: 5 Underdogs that could win this week
By Randy Gurzi
2. Cleveland Browns (+8) vs. Baltimore Ravens
Week 1 brings us a very interesting AFC North showdown as the Baltimore Ravens will defend their divisional title against the Cleveland Browns. For the past couple of seasons, the Browns have continually been a preseason favorite as they started to rebuild their team in 2018 following the ‘down to the studs’ demolishing from Sashi Brown.
The keys were handed over to John Dorsey who hooked his wagon to an anchor known as Freddie Kitchens and both were let go following a disastrous 6-10 campaign (that really felt like it had more than 10 losses). Now new head coach Kevin Stefanski looks to right the ship with a rebuilt offensive line and a new star tight end in Austin Hooper.
While Stefanski seems to be a much better fit than Kitchens, they got stuck facing the reigning NFL MVP in Week 1, Lamar Jackson. Cleveland will have their hands full and it’s not shocking at all that they’re the underdogs in this one.
Having said all that, they do actually have the talent to contend with Baltimore. They proved that in Week 4 last season when they kept Jackson in check and hung 40-points on them. If the offense is clicking, and the defense can avoid giving up the big plays, the Browns have a shot at upsetting the favorites in this one.