In week 4, the Cleveland Browns shocked many when they beat the Baltimore Ravens and won 40-25.
Many felt like the Browns had turned around their season and were on their way to claiming the division lead.
Since then, its been the opposite for what Browns fans were hoping for.
The Ravens have been one of the hottest teams in the league since that defeat in week 4.
In fact, the Ravens have yet to lose since, whereas the Browns have only been 4-6 since then.
Let’s take a look at our writer’s bold predictions for this Sunday’s matchup
Writer: Rocco Nuosci
The Browns need to secure wins these final two weeks to achieve a .500 record.
While certainly not up to par with expectations, closing out the season strong is still important for this team.
Getting to 8-8 will be far from easy, however.
The Baltimore Ravens come into town Sunday as the winners of ten straight games.
They possess the best record in the NFL and come in as ten point favorites over the Browns.
Despite drastic differences in how each teams’ respective season has turned out, the Browns did manage to knock off the Ravens on the road in week 4.
Not only did they beat Baltimore, they trounced them to the tune of a 40-24 dominating win. ‘
The Ravens are a different and improved team now, however.
They have not lost a game since that Sunday afternoon.
The story on Sunday will be the ground game.
This Browns defense showed lackluster effort stopping the run against the Cardinals last week and are ranked 27th in rushing defense.
Looking at Baltimore, they currently lead the league in rushing yards per game… by a lot.
The Ravens average over 200 yards on the ground per game, with the next closest team sitting under 150 yards.
Lamar Jackson ran for just 66 yards against the Browns in the first matchup, but I expect him to get much looser the second time around.
If Steve Wilks’ defense cannot stop the RPO action of the Ravens, it could be a long afternoon in Cleveland.
My prediction: 42-17 Ravens
Writer: Drake Jesse
The Browns Week 4 demolishing of the Ravens has proven to be the most bizarre game of the season.
Since that game in September, the Baltimore Orioles have lost more recently than the Baltimore Ravens.
Combine the Ravens red-hot run with a Browns team with nothing to play for and you’ve got the recipe for a late-season demolishing.
Since September Lamar Jackson has become the presumptive MVP and the Ravens the AFC’s best team.
Not only will the Ravens be playing hard to avenge their earlier loss, but the Ravens are still pushing for a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Since September the Browns have had their ups and downs, and are now playing for a better position in the draft.
The only way this game stays close is if the second half is lead by former Brown and current Ravens backup Robert Griffin III.
But hey, the Browns were able to pull off the upset earlier in the season.
Maybe they can do it again?
With all the dysfunction and disappointment hanging around the team it’s not likely.
My prediction: Ravens 36-14
Writer: Mark Bergin
The Baltimore Ravens have won 10 games in a row since the Cleveland Browns beat them on Sept. 29.
Baltimore could want revenge from the September loss, and I’m not betting against the hottest team in the NFL.
With a win over the Browns, the Ravens would secure home-field and a first-round bye in the playoffs.
It also means Baltimore could rest its starters in Week 17 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Browns enter Sunday’s game as a 10-point underdog.
Oddsmakers have set the over-under at 49.5 points.
If the Browns lose either of their last two games, the team would have 12 consecutive seasons with a losing record.
Led by quarterback Lamar Jackson and Mark Ingram — both players were selected to the 2020 Pro Bowl — the Ravens have the top rushing offense in the NFL at 202.1 yards per game and 5.5 yards per carry.
The Browns rush defense ranks near the bottom of the league.
Cleveland allows 135.2 yards per game (27th) and 4.9 yards per carry (29th).
The Browns will probably struggle to stop the Ravens rushing attack.
Maybe the Browns fans can create a home-field advantage at FirstEnergy Stadium, but I don’t think this game is going to be close.
My prediction: Ravens 38, Browns 17
Writer: Jimmy Swartz
It’s been a pretty controversial week for the Browns with all the Freddie Kitchens rumors and reports of players yelling “come get me” it last week’s game.
Kareem Hunt also questioned many Browns players effort in the loss with quarterback Baker Mayfield backing up his claim as well.
However, I feel the Browns are trying their best to block out the outside noise and stick together.
Odell Beckham Jr has also put fans minds at rest this week stating that “he is not going anywhere.”
Winning on the road in the NFL is a tough task, no matter who is playing.
The Browns know that everyone is counting them out of this game, but they have seen this team before and have plenty of film and confidence.
And while their offense has been inconsistent all year long, they still have some of the most talented players in the league on the offensive side of the ball.
I see a divisional grinder in this Sunday’s matchup and a well-played game for both teams.
However, last time the Browns faced the Ravens, they had Myles Garrett and Olivier Vernon to keep the pressure on him all game long.
I actually see the Browns leading this game for 3 quarters, but then not being able to finish it and losing late.
My prediction: Ravens 27, Browns 24
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