Basics
Kickoff: 1 p.m. Sunday, Cleveland Browns Stadium
TV: WJZ Channel 13 (Baltimore), WUSA Channel 9 (Washington), Paramount + and more. CBS crew Ian Eagle (play-by-play), Charles Davis (analyst), Evan Washburn (sideline)
Radio: WBAL 1090 AM & 98 Rock 97.9 FM, Sirius XM Chs. 109 or 383. Ravens crew Gerry Sandusky (play-by-play), Rod Woodson (analyst); ESPN Radio (Steve Levy, play-by-play), Harry Douglas (analyst)
History
The Ravens hold a 35-13 all-time series lead. They last met in Week 15 last season with the Browns winning 13-3 in Cleveland. It was the only game of the 2022 season in which Baltimore did not score a touchdown. Tyler Huntley started in place of the injured Lamar Jackson and completed 17 of 30 passes for 138 yards and an interception. Baltimore's only points came on a 53-yard field goal by Justin Tucker. Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was 18 of 28 for 161 yards and threw a touchdown pass to Donovan Peoples-Jones. Cornerback Denzel Ward intercepted Huntley, safety Grant Delpit led Cleveland with nine tackles, and Garrett had 1.5 sacks.
Stakes
Having already won at Cincinnati, the Ravens have an opportunity to go 2-0 in the division. Baltimore hasn't won its first two divisional road games since 2019. This will be the third AFC North game for the Browns, who beat Cincinnati but lost to Pittsburgh. In a hotly contested division, the Browns want as many AFC North victories as they can get.
Key Storylines
Can the Ravens score enough against the NFL's No. top-ranked defense?
The Browns haven't allowed a touchdown in two home games and lead the league in fewest yards and points surrendered. The Dawg Pound is going to be extra loud, and it will be important for the Ravens to keep their poise and avoid mistakes and penalties that kill drives. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken wants the Ravens to get their "mojo" back after an inconsistent Week 3 performance. That won't happen unless they find a way to keep Myles Garrett and his defensive teammates from wrecking the gameplan.
Will getting a little healthier make a huge difference for Baltimore?
Seeing Tyler Linderbaum (ankle), Marcus Williams (pectoral), Gus Edwards (concussion) and Justice Hill (toe) practice this week was a positive sign for the Ravens. However, Odell Beckham Jr. (knee), Rashod Bateman (hamstring), Odafe Oweh (ankle), David Ojabo (knee/ankle) and Marlon Humphrey (foot) didn't practice all week, while Ronnie Stanley (knee) missed Friday's practice and was limited. Having a few more healthy players in the lineup Sunday will be a lift for Baltimore, but the Ravens will still be missing some key players.
How will Deshaun Watson's injured throwing shoulder impact this game?
The season-ending injury to star running back Nick Chubb has put more weight on Watson to carry Cleveland's offense, but he is questionable with an injured throwing shoulder. Watson struggled last season after his 11-game suspension, but he's coming off his best performance with the Browns in Week 3 against the Titans – 27 of 33 for 289 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. But if Watson can't go, rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson would be asked to step in.
The matchup between the Ravens' tackles and Browns OLB Myles Garrett headlines the battles.
LT Ronnie Stanley/Patrick Mekari vs. OLB Myles Garrett
It remains to be seen who lines up at left tackle for the Ravens, as Stanley (knee) has been a limited practice participant this week. Whoever it is, they'll have their hands full against one of the best pass rushers in the game. Garrett has posted 16 sacks the past two seasons and has 4.5 in the first three games. The Ravens could also use fullback Patrick Ricard more this game for extra help against Garrett.
Ravens CBs vs. WR Amari Cooper
The Browns move Cooper all over the field hunting for the best matchup, so it's not going to be one player on him at all times. Cooper leads the Browns with 243 receiving yards this season, nearly double the next closest receiver (Elijah Moore). Baltimore needs to keep a lid on Cooper's big plays, as he's averaging 14.3 per catch this season.
OLB Jadeveon Clowney vs. RT Dawand Jones
Clowney is making his first trip back to Cleveland after playing there the past two seasons. He's looking for a good showing and will get many matchups with Jones, a 6-foot-8, 374-pound monster rookie who the Browns drafted in the fourth round. Jones has taken over as the starter for injured Jack Conklin. Jones has played well thus far, but the veteran will be looking to give the rookie fits.
WR Zay Flowers vs. CB Denzel Ward
With the status of Odell Beckham Jr. (ankle) and Rashod Bateman (hamstring) unknown, Flowers is in line to once again be the leading receiver. Ward is a two-time Pro Bowler and the Browns' top defensive back. If the Ravens' passing game is going to top last week's performance, Flowers is going to have to get some wins against Ward.
QB Lamar Jackson vs. LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
Jackson topped 100 rushing yards last week against the Colts. If he's going to have success on the ground this week, he's going to have to outrun the Browns' speedy linebacker Owusu-Koramoah, who has been assigned shadowing duties on Jackson in previous matchups.
Players to Watch
OLB Jadeveon Clowney
Clowney will be playing against his former team, and he's been an active force on defense during his three games with Baltimore. Knowing the Browns' personnel so well could work to his advantage, and he wants bragging rights over his former teammates who are now division rivals.
S Marcus Williams
It was feared that Williams might need surgery after his pectoral injury in Week 1, but he's made a speedy recovery and looks on track to return in this game. Williams' range in the secondary makes quarterbacks more wary of throwing deep against Baltimore, and he's a takeaway artist who strengthens Baltimore's defense.
TE Mark Andrews
Andrews had a 115-yard, 11-catch day against Cleveland in 2021, and Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken said Andrews looked healthier in practice this week than he had all season. Jackson and Andrews have always enjoyed great chemistry, and he could get plenty of targets as one of the quarterback's first looks.
