Ravens Seek Redemption Against Struggling Browns in Regular-Season Finale
The Baltimore Ravens (11-5) are riding high into their regular-season finale on Saturday, hosting the Cleveland Browns (3-13) with an opportunity to solidify their AFC North title hopes and maintain momentum as a Super Bowl contender.
The Ravens, fresh off a commanding 31-2 Christmas Day victory over the Houston Texans, hold a one-game lead over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the division. Entering this matchup as 17.5-point favorites, Baltimore is expected to dominate a Browns team that has lost five straight games and is in contention for the No. 1 overall draft pick.
Despite their struggles, the Browns hold a notable achievement this season: a Week 8 upset over Baltimore. Cleveland defeated the Ravens 29-24 on October 27, powered by Jameis Winston’s 334-yard, three-touchdown performance. Reflecting on the loss, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson said, “You can look at the Browns’ record and say that’s a sorry team, but this is the NFL. Any week can be your day.”
Lamar Jackson’s Historic Season
Jackson has rebounded impressively since that October defeat. Last week, he became the NFL’s all-time leader in career rushing yards for a quarterback, surpassing Michael Vick with an 87-yard performance. Additionally, Jackson has thrown for 39 touchdowns against just four interceptions this season, positioning him as a strong MVP contender for the third time in his career.
“He set the all-time NFL record for rushing yards (for a quarterback) in pro football,” said Ravens coach John Harbaugh. “It’s just kind of what he does every week.”
Browns’ Struggles and Injury Concerns
While the Ravens soar, the Browns are limping toward the finish line of a disappointing season. After making the playoffs last year, Cleveland has regressed, ranking last in the NFL with just 15.5 points per game and leading the league with 21 interceptions thrown.
Cleveland’s quarterback situation remains uncertain. Dorian Thompson-Robinson has struggled mightily, failing to throw a touchdown pass in 115 attempts while tossing six interceptions. Coach Kevin Stefanski hinted at the possibility of splitting reps between Thompson-Robinson and Bailey Zappe, who could become Cleveland’s 40th starting quarterback since 1999. Jameis Winston, nursing a shoulder injury, is expected to serve as the emergency quarterback.
The Browns’ woes extend to the injury report, with key players like defensive end Myles Garrett, tight end David Njoku, and cornerback Denzel Ward missing practice.
Dominance in the Rivalry
Despite Cleveland’s win earlier this season, Baltimore has historically dominated the series with a 36-15 record. As the Ravens aim to avenge their October loss and bolster their playoff credentials, the Browns face an uphill battle to salvage some pride in what has been a forgettable campaign.
Kickoff is set for Saturday night in Baltimore, with the Ravens looking to finish the regular season on a high note and the Browns hoping to pull off an unlikely upset.
