Ravens-Browns Week 8 preview: Where to watch, prediction
Week 8: Baltimore Ravens (5-2) at Cleveland Browns (1-6)
When
Sunday, October 27th at 1 p.m.
Where
Huntington Bank Field (67,431)
Spread
Ravens are favored by 8 1/2 points (BetMGM Sportsbook)
How to Watch/Listen
Television: CBS / WJZ Channel 13 (Baltimore)
Radio: WBAL 1090 AM / 98Rock (97.9 FM) / SiriusXM Radio Channel 161 or 380
Spanish Radio: WLZL El Zol 107.9 (Tico Sports)
SERIES HISTORY
Coach John Harbaugh is 25-7 against Cleveland, while the Ravens are 36-14 all time against the Browns. The teams have split the season series each of the past three years.
NOTABLE
In Monday’s 41-31 win at Tampa Bay, quarterback Lamar Jackson recorded his fifth career game with five touchdown passes and no interceptions, tied for the third most in NFL history.
2024 RANKINGS
Ravens: Total Offense: 1; Total Defense: 23
Browns: Total Offense: 32; Total Defense: 13
RAVENS’ GAME PLAN
Offense
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry have won the past four AFC Offensive Player of the Week awards. Jackson won in weeks 5 and 7, and Henry won in weeks 4 and 6. Jackson is having another MVP-caliber season and has thrown for 1,810 yards and is second in the NFL with 15 touchdown passes. Henry leads the NFL with 873 yards rushing.
The Ravens will be aggressive in running the ball against the Browns, who allow 126.1 yards rushing per game — ranked 11th in the NFL. Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah leads the team with 53 tackles and he is tenacious in finding the ball. In addition to Henry, Jackson is a threat to pick up yards running the ball and Justice Hill is having a solid season, averaging 4.0 yards per carry.
The Browns will be careful stacking the box to contain the Ravens’ running game because Jackson has shown he can beat teams through the air. The Browns’ pass defense has been mostly solid, allowing 191.7 yards per game — ranked 11th in the NFL. Defensive end Myles Garrett is a game-wrecker and has four sacks. Former Ravens linebacker Za’Darius Smith also has four sacks. The Ravens’ offensive line has to account for both of those players. However, Jackson should be able to find seams in Cleveland’s secondary.
Defense
The Browns had to make a change at quarterback after starter Deshaun Watson suffered an Achilles injury last week against the Cincinnati Bengals. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski named Jameis Winston as the starting quarterback over Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Stefanski also announced that he is turning play-calling over to offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey.
The Ravens’ biggest weakness has been the secondary. Baltimore is ranked 32nd against the pass, allowing 282.1 yards per game. Baltimore is also ranked 27th, allowing 25.7 points allowed per game. Winston will be another challenge for the Ravens’ defensive backs and this could be a high-scoring game.
Baltimore could be without Marlon Humphrey, who is tied for second in the NFL with four interceptions after he suffered a knee injury against the Buccaneers on Monday night. Humphrey and fellow cornerback Nate Wiggins (shoulder) did not practice Wednesday. Defensive tackle Travis Jones (ankle) was also out.
The Browns got a boost with running back and fan-favorite Nick Chubb, who returned last week after being out since Week 2 of the 2023 season with a left knee injury. Chubb is still getting into football shape and the Ravens take pride in shutting down opponents’ run game. There is nowhere to go but up for the Browns’ offense, which ranked 32nd in the NFL with 253.9 yards per game and 29th with 15.6 points per game.
Prediction
This could be a proverbial trap game for the Ravens, who are riding a five-game winning streak. The Browns are looking to salvage their season with a new quarterback and Chubb back in the lineup. The crowd could be energized by these changes. However, the Ravens have managed to stay focused and Winston could have rust in his first start. Jackson and Henry are playing better than any quarterback-running back duo in the NFL. The Ravens also understand the importance of winning an AFC North game.
RAVENS 26, BROWNS 19
