NFL preview, Week 4: Bills-Dolphins headline best non-Chiefs games to watch
By Grant Tuttle
2. Baltimore Ravens @ Cleveland Browns
Game Time: Sunday, October 1, 12:00 PM CT
Odds Via DraftKings Sportsbook: Browns -2.5
TV: CBS/NFL Sunday Ticket
The Cleveland Browns have been a surprise to this point in the year. It's clear where their success is coming from; Their defense is outstanding in its front seven. To this point in the season, the Browns are sporting one of the best rush defenses in the NFL. Further, the combination of Za'Darius Smith and Myles Garrett is formidable against opposing quarterbacks. Without Nick Chubb in the equation, the question will be whether the offense can just be good enough.
The Ravens, on the other hand, have something to prove. After starting the year 2-0, they fell to a Gardner Minshew-led Indianapolis Colts team. While the Colts are an ascending team, the Ravens cannot afford to lose games like that and still be considered one of the "blue bloods" in the AFC. Now, the Ravens have a point to prove and a team like the Browns is a perfect opponent.
The Bottom Line: Baltimore looks out of sorts on the offensive side of the ball. Perhaps this is the week that they get right. If not, they will be in for a long game in Cleveland. Ultimately, I think that the Browns make just enough of the right plays down the stretch to come out with a victory. Expect an interesting matchup in which Lamar Jackson has a shot at the end of the game against this tremendous defense.
Prediction: Browns 22, Ravens 17