It would be the most contentious rivalry in the NFL Cleveland could field a legitimate NFL team. As it is we have the Browns (0-9) traveling to the eastern time zone to take on the team that used to be the Browns, the Baltimore Ravens (4-4).
The Game: Cleveland at Baltimore (-7.5)
History
The history between these two franchises begins where the old Browns ended in 1995. The Browns owner Art Model wanted to move the team to Baltimore. In a deal with the NFL, Model got his wish, but was forced to leave the nickname (Browns) and the history in Cleveland. The old Browns became the Ravens in 1996 and the new Browns came back into the NFL as an expansion team in 1999.
The new Cleveland Browns played their first game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 26, 1999. The Ravens won 17-10 and would win the next three.
The Ravens own a significant lead in the series, 26-9, and put forth an 11-game win streak from Sept. 2008 to Sept 2013.
The Browns have only won back-to-back games twice in the 17-year history. Cleveland won 24-14 in Oct. 2001, their first win over the Ravens in their history and again, 27-17 in Nov. 2001. The Browns won 27-13 in Sept. 2007 and 33-30 in overtime in Nov. 2007.
Cleveland’s last win in the series was by that same score, 33-30 in overtime in Oct. 2015.
The Browns have not won a Super Bowl in the game’s history. Since leaving Cleveland and becoming the Ravens, Baltimore has won two.
The Browns on Offense
Rookie Cody Kessler gets the nod again at quarterback for the Browns. Kessler is putting up legitimate NFL numbers calling the signals for Cleveland. He’s completed 67.5 percent of his passes for 1,150 yards and five touchdowns with just one interception in six starts. His passer rating of 96.1 is one of the best in the league. Terrelle Pryor, Corey Coleman and Gary Barnridge are all serious offensive weapons and Isaiah Crowell is the best running back you’ve never heard of.
The Ravens on Offense
Baltimore is one of the least productive offenses in the league, currently ranked No. 28 out of 32 teams, just one spot ahead of the San Francisco 49ers. A few weeks ago they fired offensive coordinator Marc Trestman and replaced him with Marty Mornhinweg with not a lot of advancement to show for it. On the bright side, quarterback Joe Flacco has all the tools and the demeanor to be an elite quarterback and over the last few weeks he is making better use of the offensive weapons he has on hand in Steve Smith, Mike Wallace and Dennis Pitta.
Browns on Defense
Here is your dumpster fire unit. Cleveland has the worst defense in the league, giving up 421.7 yards per game. They are either devoid of talent in some spots or they’re relying on rookies or players with very little experience. Adding Jamie Collins in a trade upgrades the unit significantly. He’s already their best player, but there are far too many holes on this unit that opposing teams can exploit.
Ravens on Defense
Baltimore comes into the game banged up on defense with linebackers Kalaei Correa and Elvis Dumervil both listed as out. Cornerback Shareece Wright will also be in street clothes. That’s two starters and a key back-up on the sidelines. What should balance that out is the Ravens’ overall defense, which is the second best in the league behind the Arizona Cardinals. Baltimore is surrendering just 298.8 yards per game.
The Coaches
Hue Jackson was the right hire in Cleveland, but some iffy calls and roster shuffling could very well doom his team to an 0-16 season. John Harbaugh is consistently one of the best coaches in the league, but is having personnel issues of his own, along with trying to overcome a bad hire at coordinator. Advantage goes to Harbaugh.
The Pick
From what I can see, this is the Browns’ best chance to get a win left on their schedule. I’m just not brave enough to pick them again. Ravens 27, Browns 17
Last Week
Straight up: 11-2
Against the spread: 10-3
Season
Straight up: 77-57-2
Against the spread: 67-65
