Game Preview: Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens (Sun – 8:20 ET)

This will be an intense divisional rivalry game with both teams trying to gain ground in the most competitive division in the NFL, as all teams in the AFC North have a winning record and are separated by just two games. The Ravens hope that Lamar Jackson can return after missing last week with an illness, but it looks like he will be able to play this week. That is good news for the Ravens, as their offense is built around Jackson’s particular skillset. This game should be decided in the trenches, as both teams will try to get their rushing attack going to establish ball control. The Browns are currently first in the NFL in rushing yards per game (156.8), while the Ravens are 3rd (151.0). Defensively both teams are good against the run as the Ravens have the second-best rushing defense (88.6 rushing yards against per game) while the Browns are 7th (101.4 rushing yards against per game).

Baker Mayfield will have a chance to shake off recent criticisms and throw the ball downfield against the Ravens, who give up the 2nd most passing yards per game (281.1). If Nick Chubb, who is 3rd in the NFL in rushing yards (851), can get going, the Ravens’ secondary should open up. If they can get their offense going and take the lead, that will set them up nicely to let their pass rush get to Lamar Jackson, though they will have to be careful not to let him escape and kill them on the ground. DE Myles Garrett is having the best season of his career, as he leads the NFL in sacks with 13 so far. The Ravens are favorites at home in this one, but divisional rivalries often bring unexpected results, and the Browns match up well on paper. This game has huge playoff implications, and these teams will meet again in two weeks in Cleveland.

Spread: Ravens favored by 4 points
Over/under: 46.5