Needing a victory to clinch the AFC North, the Ravens (11-5) host the Cleveland Browns (3-13) on Saturday afternoon in the regular season finale.
Basics
Kickoff: Saturday, 4:30 p.m., M&T Bank Stadium
TV: ABC, ESPN, WMAR Channel 2 (Baltimore), WJLA Channel 7 (Washington), and more. Chris Fowler (play-by-play), Dan Orlovsky (analyst), Louis Riddick (analyst), Laura Rutledge (sideline)
Radio: WBAL (101.5 FM/1090 AM), 98 Rock (97.9 FM), Sirius XM Radio Ch. 85 or 225. Ravens crew: Gerry Sandusky (play-by-play), Rod Woodson (analyst). Westwood One Sports, J.P. Shadrick (play-by-play), Mike Mayock (analyst)
History
Baltimore leads the all-time series, 36-15, but Cleveland has won the last two. In Week 8, the Browns prevailed, 29-24, as Jameis Winston connected with Cedric Tillman for a 38-yard touchdown pass with 59 seconds to play. Tillman's winning score came just one play after Kyle Hamilton dropped a potential game-clinching interception.
Stakes
The Ravens can clinch their second straight AFC North title and the No. 3 seed with a victory. As division champs, they would open the playoffs at home against either the Los Angeles Chargers or Pittsburgh Steelers. However, a Baltimore loss would open the door for the Steelers to win the division with a victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday night. If Pittsburgh captures the AFC North, Baltimore will drop to the No. 5 seed and open the playoffs on the road against the Houston Texans. The Browns are playing the role of spoilers, but this game will help determine their position in next year’s draft.
713: Reaction to Ravens' Pro Bowlers; Previewing Ravens vs. Browns
Team insiders Ryan Mink and Garrett Downing talk about why each of the nine Ravens made the Pro Bowl team, who got snubbed, and discuss whether this year's team is actually more talented than last year's. Plus, they break down what to watch in the Ravens-Browns regular-season finale.
Key Storylines
Can the Ravens win back-to-back division titles for the third time in team history?
The Ravens have won back-to-back division titles twice – (2011 & '12) and (2018 & '19). Doing it this season, after an 0-2 start and in a highly competitive division, would be a major accomplishment. It would also earn them the right to open the playoffs at home.
Will Baltimore maintain its momentum heading into the playoffs?
Players and coaches often talk about playing their best football in December, January, and February. The Ravens have won their last three games by a combined score of 100-33. Beating the Browns decisively would create more positive momentum entering the postseason.
Will the Ravens set more records in the finale?
Jackson has already set career highs in passing yards (3,955), touchdown passes (39), and quarterback rating (121.6), while throwing just four interceptions. If he posts a QB rating of 134.4 or higher against the Browns, he'll post the highest single-season QB rating in NFL history, surpassing Aaron Rodgers. Derrick Henry is 217 rushing yards away from becoming the first player to ever have 2,000 rushing yards twice.
Here are five battles to look out for on Saturday afternoon.
LT Ronnie Stanley vs. DE Myles Garrett
Garrett is dealing with a thigh injury, but if he plays Saturday, Baltimore will need to make sure he doesn't wreak the game. He will face Stanley, who is having his best season in years and is a Pro Bowl alternate. The Ravens are heavy favorites, but a monster game from Garrett could throw a wrench in their offensive gameplan.
OLB Odafe Oweh vs. RT Jack Conklin
Oweh is just one sack away from his first double-digit sack season at any level in his football career. He has 4.5 sacks in the last six games and would love to join Kyle Van Noy in the double-digit club. He will have a shot against Cleveland's offensive line, which has surrendered the second-most sacks (64) in the league.
CB Nate Wiggins vs. WR Jerry Jeudy
A 2024 Pro Bowler, Jeudy is having a breakout first season in Cleveland, but most of his success has come with Jameis Winston. However, he was the go-to guy last week (18 targets) for Dorian Thompson-Robison, who could play against Baltimore. Wiggins continues to impress during his rookie season and this will be a good litmus test for him.
RB Derrick Henry vs. S Grant Delpit
Delpit leads the Browns with 107 tackles this season, including a big hit on Henry in Week 8. Delpit celebrated that hit with the "too small" taunt. Henry, who sits 217 rushing yards short of 2,000 this season, will get a chance to return the favor in the finale.
WR Zay Flowers vs. CB Martin Emerson
With Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward (shoulder) out, Emerson will get some reps on Flowers, who looks to add to his career-high 1,047 receiving yards. Flowers had seven catches for 115 yards in Week 8 and now has a chance to clinch the AFC North title at home.
Players to Watch
OLB Odafe Oweh
With nine sacks, Oweh needs one more for his first double-digit season. Backup quarterback Bailey Zappe will start for Cleveland andthe Browns have given up the second-most sacks in the league. That could play into Oweh's hands.
CB Nate Wiggins
Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy was targeted 18 times in Week 17 against the Dolphins, so Wiggins and the Ravens may have a busy day. Wiggins has enjoyed a strong rookie season and will look forward to the matchup.
WR Zay Flowers
Flowers caught seven passes for 115 yards against Cleveland in Week 8, and he's riding high after being named to the Pro Bowl. With top Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (shoulder) ruled out for the game, Flowers is a threat to feast against Cleveland's depleted secondary.
