The Ravens' unexpected loss to Houston has put their playoff hopes in jeopardy. Now, they must fend off the Cleveland Browns and get some help in order to secure a spot in the postseason.
How to watch Browns vs. Ravens 2014 online: Time, TV schedule and live stream
Baltimore needs a win and help from the Chiefs in order to qualify for the postseason.
Aiding their cause is Cleveland's injury situation at quarterback. Johnny Manziel suffered a hamstring injury last week that knocked him out of the game. The team announced that the injury is serious enough to knock Manziel out for the rest of the regular season. Worse, backup Brian Hoyer sustained a shoulder injury in relief of Manziel, and he too will miss Week 17. That leaves the Browns with undrafted rookie Connor Shaw at quarterback.
Shaw will have one fewer target at wide receiver, with Josh Gordon suspended for a violation of team rules.
It's important that Shaw and the Browns get some help from their ground game. Rookie Isaiah Crowell is the team's top rusher with 601 yards on 144 carries, but he's been held under 60 yards in each of the last four games. Backfield mate Terrance West hasn't fared much better, rushing for 60 or more just once over the same span on a similar number of carries. The good news for Cleveland is tight end Jordan Cameron has finally recovered from the concussion he suffered earlier in the season. He recorded an 81-yard touchdown this past weekend.
In addition to winning in Week 17, the Ravens will need the Kansas City Chiefs to squeak out a win against the San Diego Chargers. San Diego almost eliminated itself in Week 16 but overcame a 21-point deficit to defeat the San Francisco 49ers. Because of that surprise comeback and Baltimore's loss to the Houston Texans, the Ravens do not control their own playoff destiny.
It may not matter if Joe Flacco doesn't improve upon his performance against the Texans. The Super Bowl-winning quarterback completed just 21-of-50 pass attempts for 195 yards, two touchdowns and three picks. Baltimore can help its signal caller by feeding tailback Justin Forsett, who has amassed 1,147 yards on the ground and eight scores. Veteran receiver Steve Smith Sr. will also play a role Sunday. He stands just 25 yards away from his eighth 1,000-yard season.
The Browns enter the game with a record of 7-8. The Ravens come in at 9-6.
How to watch
Where: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore
When: 1 p.m. ET
TV: CBS
Online streaming: Verizon NFL Mobile
Odds
The Ravens are 13.5-point favorites, according to OddsShark, with an over/under of 39 points.
Further reading
For more on the Browns, check out Dawgs by Nature. For additional coverage of the Ravens, head on over to Baltimore Beatdown.
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