Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns game preview: Battle for AFC North

The 2-1 Baltimore Ravens will host the 1-2 Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium as their first AFC North matchup could be for the division.

So far, expectations have been quite different for both the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns for a few reasons. Lamar Jackson has revolutionized the way he plays the game and is a much better passer compared to last year under John Harbaugh. At the same time, Baker Mayfield and the Freddie Kitchens led offense has failed to live to the offseason hype so far with the weapons they have.

Through three games, Jackson has been the better passer, throwing seven touchdowns with no interceptions on 863 passing yards. He also has a 113.9 quarterback rating and a 63 percent completion percentage. Mayfield has thrown for 805 passing yards, only three touchdowns and five interceptions. His quarterback rating is 70.3 and his 56.9 percent completion rate is particularly concerning.

The Ravens have had an easier schedule with their first three weeks and Mayfield’s protection on the offensive line for the Browns has been worse in tougher matchups. That said, this first divisional matchup could be intriguing as they split this game last year at 1-1 (lost with Joe Flacco for the Ravens) and Mayfield had some of his better games against the Ravens but lost to Jackson in their second matchup.

The Cleveland Browns are looking to open up their offense in a convincing win for the first time this season while they have to limit the absurd amount of penalties. Cleveland needs its offensive line and depleted secondary to step up, despite injuries and inexperience. The Ravens defense needs to rebound and get back to the defense we know can thwart opposing offenses. Baltimore’s offense looks to connect on some of those big plays and should get back to power run game early and often.

Here are some matchups to watch and keys to the game as this could be a turning point for one of these AFC North teams in a pivotal matchup.