The Cleveland Browns have lost nine consecutive games against the Baltimore Ravens heading into Thursday night’s showdown in Baltimore. With the losing streak aside, the Browns simply want to break into the win column in 2012, as 0-3 Cleveland looks to avoid becoming the first 0-4 team of 2012. Coming off the Ravens big win over the Patriots in week three, the Ravens will be favored by nearly two touchdowns at home.
THE GAME
The Ravens wanted a signature win, and they got it in week three with a win over the New England Patriots with a last second field goal. With a brutal opening stretch to the 2012 season, the Ravens feel like they are in good shape heading into the final game of the first quarter of the NFL season. Baltimore has dominated Cleveland in recent memory, winning eight in a row, while covering the spread in six of those eight wins. In 2012, the Ravens offense has flourished under Joe Flacco, averaging over 30 points per game, including a 31-point outburst against the Patriots last week. As for the Browns, things just never seem to be easy. Cleveland lost to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, as quarterback Brandon Weeden tossed a pair of interceptions, and running back Trent Richardson cranked out only 27 yards on 12 carries.
WHAT TO WATCH
Three of the last four meetings between the Ravens and Browns have been decided by 13 points or less. The only difference this year is that Ravens offense has been clicking o all cylinders for the better part of the first three weeks, as quarterback Joe Flacco has nearly thrown for 1,000 yards through three games, tossing six touchdowns to just two interceptions. Running back Ray Rice has also benefited from the air attack, averaging over five yards per carry in 2012 with three touchdowns. The Browns defense allowed only 24 points to the Bills on Sunday, a week after giving up 452 yards to the Cincinnati Bengals in a 34-27 loss. As for Cleveland on the offensive side of the ball, the Browns rank 23rd or worse in every major offensive category in 2012. On the opposite side, Baltimore ranks in the top five in points per game, passing yards per game and total offense.
PREDICTION
Though the Browns are one of only two winless teams in the NFL, they still have put up a fight in every game, losing by double digits only once this year, which included a one-point loss to the Eagles in week one. Cleveland has traditionally kept match-ups with the Ravens fairly close, and will not want to be completely embarrassed on national television Thursday. It is obvious that the Ravens are the better team, but coming off of an emotionally-draining performance against the Patriots on Sunday, don’t expect Baltimore to come out guns-a-blazing in this one. Baltimore should still win this game, but don’t be surprised if Cleveland keeps this game closer than it should be.