2 min read • January 03, 2025
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As Week 18 of the NFL season kicks off, the Cleveland Browns are set to face the Baltimore Ravens in a Saturday showdown at M&T Bank Stadium. This matchup is pivotal for the Ravens, who are looking to solidify their playoff positioning, while the Browns are aiming to close out a difficult season on a high note.
The Baltimore Ravens (11-5) lead the AFC North and are on the brink of clinching the division title. A win on Saturday would secure the division crown and ensure a home playoff game. If they lose, the Ravens will need the Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6) to lose to the Cincinnati Bengals to maintain their top spot.
On the other side, the Cleveland Browns (3-13) are enduring one of their toughest seasons in recent memory. Currently at the bottom of the division, the Browns have no postseason aspirations but are in contention for the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. A loss, combined with favorable results from other games, could position them at the top of the draft order.
The Browns are heavily impacted by injuries heading into this matchup, particularly among these players:
Out
Denzel Ward (CB): Out with a shoulder injury, a major loss for Cleveland's secondary.
David Njoku (TE): Ruled out due to a knee injury, removing a key target for the Browns' quarterbacks.
Jerome Ford (RB): Sidelined with an ankle injury, further depleting the Browns' offensive options.
Pierre Strong Jr. (RB): Out with a concussion, leaving the backfield severely undermanned.
Jordan Hicks (LB): Out with a concussion.
Questionable
Jameis Winston (QB): Questionable with a shoulder issue, creating uncertainty at the quarterback position.
Dalvin Tomlinson (DT): Knee
Ogbo Okoronkwo (DE): Knee
Mike Woods (WR): Knee
Blake Whiteheart (TE): Knee
The Ravens enter the game in relatively good health compared to their division rivals. However, they remain cautious with players nursing minor injuries, particularly on the offensive line and secondary. Baltimore is expected to field a full-strength lineup to secure the division title.
Out
Justice Hill (RB): Illness
Jalyn Armour-Davis (CB): Hamstring
Questionable
Charlie Kolar (TE): Forearm
Patrick Mekari (OT): Illness
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With the Ravens playing for high stakes, expect a focused and determined effort from Baltimore. Their defense will aim to capitalize on Cleveland's injury-riddled offense. On the offensive side, Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry continue to lead the Ravens high powered offense which is rated the number one offense by DVOA.
The Browns' biggest challenge will be at quarterback with Bailey Zappe expected to start after the recent poor performances from Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Both options present significant hurdles against a Ravens defense ranked among the league's best.
As of today, the Ravens are listed as 19.5-point favorites, reflecting the disparity in talent and stakes between the two teams. The over/under is set at 41.5 points, with Baltimore expected to dominate the game script.
Mark Andrews Over 35.5 Receiving Yards
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