Baltimore Beatdown
After suffering a loss to the Buffalo Bills on the road to start the season, the Baltimore Ravens will be looking to rebound in their home opener against the Cleveland Browns.
The Baltimore Beatdown staff gives their bold predictions for Sunday’s AFC North showdown.
Derrick Henry runs for 150+ yards for a second straight game and finds the end zone again. Henry stiff arms Browns’ safety Grant Delpit on his way to a long touchdown run. Rookie Mike Green records his first career sack, and fellow rookie Malaki Starks intercepts Joe Flacco for a pick-six touchdown. The Ravens pull away in the second half to win by multiple possessions and even their record to 1-1. – Frank Platko
The Ravens bounce back from last week’s epic collapse and don’t have a repeat of last year’s home opener. The Ravens were still working Henry in last year during the first two games, but not anymore. Henry has another massive game like last week with no fumbles. He finishes with two scores and 100+ yards, proving he is, in fact, hard to tackle.
The Ravens’ defense also has a good week, with Mike Green getting his first career sack, ruining Joe Flacco’s homecoming. Kye Hamilton has another strong game, notching a sack as well and an interception, starting DPOY talks. Jaire Alexander also has an interception, recovering in a big way from last week’s terrible play.
Ravens win by double digits, covering the spread, and more importantly, stay in control the entire time. – Zach Canter
The Ravens avoid a disastrous 0-2 start by pummeling the Browns on Sunday. Derrick Henry continues chugging along to the tune of 150+ rushing yards again this week, while Lamar Jackson continues his stellar start to the season with another near-flawless day through the air. It’s wide receiver Rashod Bateman’s time to shine after being held in check against the Bills, as he scores a deep touchdown while eclipsing 100 yards on the day. Baltimore’s offense continues to look unstoppable while putting up at least 35 points again.
The Ravens’ defense desperately needs a get-right performance after a horrendous start to the year against Josh Allen. The unit, albeit against much weaker competition this week, stands strong and delivers a suffocating performance against Joe Flacco and Cleveland’s offense. The pass rush feasts on the immobile Flacco, sacking him five times, after failing to make a major impact against Allen a week ago. Mike Green notches two sacks, announcing his presence in a big way after a quiet debut last week. – Dustin Cox
