It’s the beginning of the Jameis Winston and Ken Dorsey era in Cleveland, that’s why I’m watching. The Browns host the Ravens at Huntington Bank Stadium, 1:00 pm EST on Sunday. Last week Baltimore (5-2) beat Tampa 41-31 and Cleveland (1-6) lost to Cincinnati 21-14. The Ravens are ten-point favorites.

Browns Offense vs. Ravens Defense

The Browns are ranked 32nd in total offense (256.9 yards per game), 28th in rushing (94.3 yards per game), 30th in passing (159.6 yards a game. and 29th in points per game (15.6 points). The Ravens are ranked 23rd in total defense (255.6 yards a game), first in rushing defense (68.4 yards a game), 32nd in passing defense (287.1 yards per game) and 25th in points per game (25.7 points). The Browns will start a new quarterback and have a new offensive play caller for this game. The Raven defense is the best against the run but last in pass defense, Cleveland will need to use the quick, short passing game to set up the run. This can be achieved if the offensive line can keep quarterback Jameis Winston clean. Baltimore’s defense has 22 sacks (tied for fourth) and are tied for third in QB hits. If the Browns can run the ball, this will set up longer passes down field. Misdirection plays and screen passes would defiantly help. Further helping Cleveland’s passing game, Baltimore had three cornerbacks show up on the injury report, Marlon Humphrey (knee), A.J. Tampa (ankle) and Nate Wiggins (shoulder). Their defense has allowed fourteen touchdown passes, eleven to wide receivers, three 300-yard passers and three 100-yard receivers. The Browns will need to continue to run the ball, convert on third down (they’re last in the league) and clean up unnecessary offensive penalties.

Browns Defense vs. Ravens Offense

The Browns are ranked 13th in total defense (317.9 yards per game), 15th in rushing (126.1 yards per game), 11th in passing (191.7 yards per game) and 18th in points per game (23.1 points). the Ravens are ranked first in total offense (461.4 yards per game), first in rushing (210.9 yards per game), sixth in passing (250.6 per game) and tied for first in points per game (31.1 points).  The Ravens have both power and speed on offense. They have the best rushing game in the league. If quarterback Lamar Jackson isn’t beating you with the pass, he’s beating you on the ground (451 yards rushing). Running back Derrick Henry leads the NFL in rushing with 873 yards and has out rushed 23 other NFL teams. Baltimore has rushed for more than 100 yards a game in 40 consecutive games. The Raven’s passing game is also excellent. Wide receivers Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman are having career years. Unfortunately, the Browns secondary has given up eight touchdowns and a QBR of 107.1 to opposing wide receivers despite cornerback Denzel Ward having a pro bowl year (twelve passes defended first in the league). Against opposing tight ends, the Browns are allowing a QBR 62.1, best in the league. Since replacing DT Quinton Jefferson with Michael Hall and getting Maurice Hurst back from injury, the run defense has improved to allow 4.2 yards per carry (tied for tenth in the league). The Browns defense has to control the line of scrimmage on first and second downs. On third down they must contain and frustrate Lamar Jackson. This is a game where the Browns linebackers are going to have to be perfect and the secondary has to avoid giving up the big play down field. Turnovers could be the difference.