Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns game preview: Battle for AFC North
By Andrew Kim
The Ravens defense has to step up against the Browns star weapons on offense
The Baltimore Ravens will have to handle a talented Cleveland Browns offense and will need to limit the duo consisting of Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry. With Jimmy Smith still out, Marlon Humphrey and Brandon Carr will likely be responsible in cover them. Landry has not been involved in the Browns passing game as much this year (only 161 receiving yards on 10 catches), but he did some damage last year (over 100 yards and a touchdown on five catches) in Week 17.
Rashard Higgins is also questionable again so Damion Ratley (93 receiving yards on 7 catches) will likely take his role as the third receiver this week. Slot cornerback has been a problem for Baltimore and this week is not any different. Anthony Averett and Maurice Canady have struggled a bit there so I would not be opposed to playing Anthony Levine more in the slot or put in Cyrus Jones there instead.
Nick Chubb looks to get going against a tough Ravens run defense but they might be without Brandon Williams, as he is questionable. If he is out, rookie Daylon Mack could make his first start at defensive tackle.
With 233 yards and one touchdown on 58 carries this season, Chubb is seventh in the NFL in rushing yards and is averaging four yards per carry. Michael Pierce will have to step up at nose tackle and the Ravens need to be stout against the run, unlike last week, as they gave up a few crucial runs to LeSean McCoy.