Predicting the Cleveland Browns record without Deshaun Watson
By Chad Porto
Away vs. Ravens (Oct. 23)
If Lamar Jackson is healthy, this is an easy win for the Baltimore Ravens. If he’s injured, or out, the Browns have a real shot at winning this game. I’ve been running through these teams’ matchups with the idea that everyone on the Browns who isn’t already hurt will be there, so I have to do the same for the Ravens.
The Browns had a hard time keeping up with Jackson and the Ravens when Baker Mayfield was healthy and slinging shots downfield. That won’t be the case this time. J.K. Dobbins can make some people miss and the Ravens will be over-relying on Mark Andres as Jackson’s number one option to throw to, but the team has won with less before.
I mean, it’s not the playoffs.
The Browns will have to find a way to contain Jackson, something they haven’t done very well since he entered the league. He’s 5-3 against the Browns and has scored 15 touchdowns against the Browns in those eight games. Had he not been banged up in 2021, that number would’ve been higher.
I don’t see the Browns being able to slow Jackson down, not with how compromised their interior line is and how at risk their safeties are. If they can’t slow Jackson down, they won’t be able to keep pace on offense.
Ravens Win: (27-7)
Record: 2-5