The Ravens' ground game was sluggish last week in Denver. Running backs Ray Rice and Bernard Pierce had limited running room, and the offense finished with just 58 rushing yards. Establishing the run is a priority this week after Joe Flacco threw the ball 62 times in the opener. The offensive line struggled against the Broncos, and the group will look to open up some bigger holes on the ground against a talented Cleveland front. If the Ravens are able to find success on the ground, that will open up the passing game and take some pressure off the young receivers.

Just like the Ravens want to establish the run, the Browns have the same mindset. Running back Trent Richardson is their best offensive weapon, and he figures to be a big part of the team's game plan. When asked about the key this week, Ravens defensive lineman Chris Canty simply responded, "Stop the run." If the Ravens are able to limit the Browns' effectiveness on the ground, then pass rushers can key in on quarterback Brandon Weeden and try to force him to beat them.

The Ravens' receiving corps went through a significant transition this offseason and now the group is dealing with additional injuries. No. 2 receiver Jacoby Jones (knee) has been ruled out, rookie Aaron Mellette (knee) was just placed on injured reserve and Deonte Thompson (foot) has not practiced in more than a month. The Ravens have just four healthy receivers: Torrey Smith, Brandon Stokley, Marlon Brown and Tandon Doss. Smith and Doss are the only two receivers who were also on the roster last season. The group is still working to gel with quarterback Joe Flacco, and the unit will look to get on track after an up-and-down start to the year.

Ed Dickson and Dallas Clark did not have the start to the season that either of them wanted, as they both had a few passes bounce off their hands for incompletions. With a young receiving corps, the veteran tight ends are a critical part of the passing game and Flacco has to be able to rely on them to haul in tough catches over the middle. Flacco said this week that he has confidence in both tight ends, and this week will provide a chance for them to rebound after a frustrating start.

This Sunday will be a reunion of sorts for several players on the Browns. Cleveland has six former Ravens, including two players who were part of last year's Super Bowl team. Outside linebacker Paul Kruger signed a $35 million deal with the Browns this offseason, and running back Bobby Rainey joined the Browns after being cut by the Ravens at the end of the preseason. Kicker Billy Cundiff will also return to Baltimore for the first time since the team cut him prior to the 2012 season. The other former Ravens are offensive lineman Oniel Cousins, defensive lineman Ishmaa'ily Kitchen and wide receiver Tori Gurley.

Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden was under duress throughout much of last week's game, getting pressured on 50.8 percent of his drop backs, according to Pro Football Focus. Weeden was hit 16 times and sacked six, and the Ravens want to continue that trend this Sunday. The Ravens' showed off a good rush against Denver, as Terrell Suggs, Elvis Dumervil and Chris Canty all notched sacks on Peyton Manning. If the Ravens are able to get pressure on Weeden in the backfield, then he could rush his throws and create opportunities for the secondary to pounce on his mistakes.

The Ravens will be without their dynamic kick returner Jacoby Jones this Sunday, and it's unclear exactly who will take over the kick and punt return duties. Lardarius Webb and Tandon Doss are two options at punt returner, and Bernard Pierce was back as the kick returner last week following the injury. Jones' big-play ability on returns was critical last season, and the Ravens lose a dynamic weapon with him on the sidelines.

An issue in the loss to Denver was the tackling in the secondary. Safety Michael Huff missed a key tackle on tight end Julius Thomas that led to a touchdown and cornerback Corey Graham took a bad angle en route to receiver Wes Welker that went for a score. The Ravens have preached the importance of tackling and fundamentals this week. The Browns have big targets in wide receiver Greg Little and tight end Jordan Cameron, who can both shake off tacklers in the secondary.

Sunday's matchup will feature a pair of local products lining up across from one another. Browns cornerback Joe Haden, a Maryland native, is regarded as one of the best young cornerbacks in the game. He will likely be matched up against Smith for much of the afternoon. Smith and Haden are good friends off the field, and Haden participates in Smith's annual charity basketball game in Virginia. This is a personal, but friendly, rivalry for Smith and Haden, and this could be a matchup to watch in the AFC North for years to come.

While the players will be focused on the game, the fans at M&T Bank Stadium will be excited to see the festivities celebrating the Super Bowl season. Before the game, there will be a ceremony unveiling the Super Bowl XLVII banner inside the stadium. The unveiling will be the final official celebration of the Super Bowl season.