Baltimore Ravens

5 Predictions For Ravens Battle With Browns

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 2:46 p.m. ET

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Nov 30, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44) and Cleveland Browns inside linebacker Craig Robertson (53) at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Ravens beating the Cleveland Browns is about as safe as predictions get in the National Football League. The Ravens have only lost two games against the Browns in the last eight seasons. The Browns looked bad in week one, even for a Browns team that has not had a winning season since 2007.

1. The Ravens Win 24-0

My first prediction is the boring one, the one you knew was coming. I have the Ravens beating the Browns soundly, with a score of 24-0. Josh McCown will find out that a difference an offseason can make. The Ravens will shut down the Browns offense.

The only way the Browns can win this game is if the Ravens beat themselves. Let’s take a Ravens loss off the table. The 2015 season is dead and the 2016 Ravens are not losing to the Browns. If the Ravens somehow manage to blow this opportunity for an easy win, they’ll have to deal with this sports writer’s vitriol. With the outcome out of the way, we can look at 5 exciting predictions for the game.

Oct 11, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Za’Darius Smith (90) tackles Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson (29) during overtime at M&T Bank Stadium. Cleveland Browns defeated Baltimore Ravens 33-30 in over time. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

2. The Ugliest Blowout Ever

The Ravens don’t have to play great football to get a great result in this game. When the Ravens hit the field in week one, there were clearly some kinks to work out offensively. I don’t see these problems magically vanishing. Marc Trestman has to figure out the perfect balance. The offense still needs to gel. We must remember that the Ravens have a ton of new pieces on the offensive side of the football.

The defense is going to dominate. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if they make it look easy on Sunday. The offense should do a lot better this week. I just doesn’t seem likely that you go from total frustration to sweet perfection in one week. Keep in mind that the Browns are bad, but they’re still an NFL football team. It’s not like the Ravens are playing against air, the Browns defense will make the Ravens work.

When this game is over, I think the Ravens offense will feel much more confident. This after all is a great chance to work out what ever isn’t flowing for the Ravens. By the time this game is over, we’ll have a firm grasp on what the Ravens unresolved issues are. Because the Ravens have to get some problems resolved offensively, this could be the ugliest blowout ever. The Ravens will win comfortably, but maybe not beautifully.

Aug 27, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Matt Judon (91) sacks Detroit Lions quarterback Dan Orlovsky (8) during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

3. The Pass Rushers Will Have Fun

I know that Joe Thomas is one of the best offensive tackles we have ever seen, but collectively the Browns offensive line is nothing for Cleveland to brag about. When you look at the Browns problems protecting Robert Griffin III, it’s doubtful that it will be much better for Josh McCown. The Ravens can get pressure on McCown, especially with Cameron Erving’s struggles at the center position.

Last week, the Ravens got after Tyrod Taylor and it resulted in only one sack. While McCown is no statue, he’s a lot easier to chase down than Taylor. Dean Pees did a good job last week, marrying pressure with responsibility down the field. Pees will continue this perfect blend of chaos and his comfort zone and it will result in big plays for the Ravens.

The Ravens are hungry to get after McCown. It would be hard to imagine that the Ravens coaches haven’t reminded the Ravens how McCown embarrassed them a year ago. It’s time to make up for that tragic defensive showing. The Ravens are coming at McCown with a little extra motivation.

Sep 11, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) throws to tight end Dennis Pitta (88) during the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

4. Dennis Pitta Will Be Flacco’s New Go To Guy

The Ravens have waited a long time for Dennis Pitta to be back in action. It must have seemed longer than two seasons for Pitta’s friend, Joe Flacco. Flacco and Pitta have a chemistry on the field that makes life easier for the Ravens passing game. A quarterback throws to the player he’s most comfortable with in clutch situations. Flacco’s comfort level with Pitta is very high.

We saw it against the Broncos in the 2012 playoffs. Flacco trusted Pitta with a back shoulder pass when the Ravens needed a first down badly. Pitta made the play. It happened for a reason, they were on the same page. Flacco is going to spread the ball around. Everyone is going to get involved with the offense. However, when the going gets tough, the Ravens quarterback is going to lean on his favorite tight end.

Pitta had three receptions in the first game. Three receptions for 39 yards may not sound like a big game, but considering it was his first game back this is a really positive result. When the Ravens play the Browns, look for Pitta to be the new go-to-guy.

Oct 11, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Justin Forsett (29) celebrates after scoring a touchdown on a short run during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Forsett Will Get The Job Done

When you look back at the battle with the Bills, the Ravens rushing attack wasn’t that memorable. The running back that did the best was Justin Forsett. Forsett averaged 4.1 yards per carry last week. Forsett’s patience proved to be the right stuff to grind out yards against a tough defense. Against a porous Browns defense, Forsett will again show the Ravens backfield how it’s done.

Forsett looks like he has an extra bounce in his step. I think the competition he has at the running back spot motivates him. This is a running back who remembers being the complimentary piece. He earned star status with the Ravens and he’ll want to keep it. Terrance West will have some nice plays. In due time Kenneth Dixon will shake things up. For now, Forsett will be the featured back of this offense.

Keep it locked to Ebony Bird for everything about the Ravens this season. Flock to us for your opinions, analysis and hot takes all season long. The Ravens and the Browns are about to do battle and nobody is more ready than us!