5 reasons Baker Mayfield will lead Cleveland Browns past Baltimore Ravens

The Browns’ ground game

The passing stats are what catches the attention of fantasy football fans, but an AFC North contest can still be decided by the rushing attack, and the Browns have a nice two-headed monster in Carlos Hyde and Nick Chubb.

Hyde’s been a fine addition to the roster and hasn’t let the team down in short-yardage situations near the goal line.

But Chubb has some thinking superstardom awaits the Browns’ backfield.

After a three-carry, 105-yard, two-touchdown performance against the Raiders, Chubb will likely see more carries in Week 5.

After reading that sentence, it’s appalling he didn’t get more touches during the Raiders’ loss.

Hyde’s benefited from Mayfield being in at quarterback, as he averaged just over 2.5 yards per carry when Tyrod Taylor was starting.

With Mayfield playing, Hyde’s averaged 4.3 yards and 3.7 yards per contest, respectively.

I’m not advocating the Browns try to win this game 9-6, but there’s still a place in the NFL for an effective rushing attack, especially when you pair it up with someone who can stretch defenses, like Mayfield.

Baltimore’s been stingy against the run this season, with a team defense that ranks fourth, allowing 82.5 yards per game.

To be fair though, they haven’t faced this type of quarterback-running back combo since their loss to Cincinnati.

Andy Dalton threw for 257 and four scores in the Week 3 win, while Joe Mixon and Gio Bernard combined for 111 yards on the ground.

The Browns are certainly capable of duplicating this performance.