Baltimore Ravens vs Cleveland Browns: 3 Bold Predictions

The Ravens will clamp down the Browns’ sixth-ranked rushing attack

Sep 7, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs (55) tackles Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (25) behind the line for a loss during the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Browns have run the ball very effectively this year, but take a look at their opponents. Baltimore fans learned pretty quickly last week the Steelers run defense is not what it used to be, while the Saints defense has been a disaster.

Compare those two teams to what the Ravens have in the front seven: an emerging monster in Brandon Williams; an established monster in Haloti Ngata; two of the league’s best edge setters in Terrell Suggs and Courtney Upshaw; and plenty of talent elsewhere to boot.

Keep in mind, the Ravens did a very solid job against the Cincinnati Bengals top-tier offensive line, holding Giovani Bernard to a paltry 48 yards on a 3.4 yards per carry average.

Shutting down the Browns’ ground game should be the top priority, and the Ravens should do it quite successfully. That will force Brian Hoyer to win the game for the Browns. Whether or not he can do that remains to be seen, but the Ravens should hope to make him try.