The Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens face off on Sunday with identical 1-3 records, but that's where the similarities end. The Browns are reeling after back-to-back losses and their defense, which was supposed to be a strength this season, is beyond awful. The Ravens are coming off a season-saving win last week and seemingly have all the momentum heading into this AFC North showdown.
NFL picks and predictions, Browns vs. Ravens 2015: Baltimore near-lock to beat Cleveland
The Browns have one win in their last 14 games against the Ravens and haven’t won a game in Baltimore since 2007. You think the Ravens are a heavy favorite on Sunday?
Beyond the Browns’ recent skid, the odds are stacked against them on Sunday. They have lost 13 of their last 14 games against Baltimore, including each of their last seven matchups in the Charm City since the start of 2008. The Browns are also riding a five-game road losing streak overall, having dropped their first two contests away from home this season and their final three in 2014.
The Ravens kept their fleeting playoff hopes alive with a win last week against Pittsburgh, and with a more favorable schedule coming up, have a real chance to climb back into the playoff hunt. The difference-maker in the much-needed victory was a rejuvenated rushing attack. Justin Forsett, who had struggled mightily out of the gate, racked up more rushing yards (150) in Week 4 than he did in the first three games combined (124).
Forsett could be primed for another huge game against a Browns run defense that he dominated in 2014 and is among the worst in the NFL this season. Forsett averaged 6.5 yards per carry in two games against Cleveland last year, including a 119-yard effort in the most recent matchup in December. The Browns have allowed the second-most rushing yards in the league (566) and the fourth-most yards per rush (4.8).
The one concern for Baltimore is a string of injuries that has depleted their receiving corps. Rookie Breshad Perriman hasn't played a down for the Ravens yet due to a lingering knee injury, veteran Steve Smith is recovering from microfractures in his back and rising star Michael Campanaro was just placed on season-ending IR with a herniated disc. Their best receiver might be newcomer Chris Givens, whom they acquired from the Rams last Saturday and should give them some speed on the outside.
Still, the experts aren’t giving the Browns a chance in this game. Only one of the eight guys at CBS Sports -- Jason La Canfora -- picked Cleveland, while the entire 13-man ESPN panel is taking the Ravens. It’s almost a clean sweep for Baltimore among our esteemed colleagues here at SB Nation, too. Only Matt Ufford dares to pick the Browns.
| Ryan Van Bibber | Stephen White | Joel Thorman | David Fucillo | Danny Kelly | Matt Ufford | PFT Commenter | OddsShark Computer | |
| CLE @ BAL | BAL | BAL | BAL | BAL | BAL | CLE | BAL | BAL |
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