Oct 17, 2026 8:00 PM

With Lamar Jackson sidelined, the Browns eye first place in the AFC North. Can Cleveland’s opportunistic defense stifle Tyler Huntley, or will Baltimore’s high-octane run game spoil the party?

Week 5 wasn't pretty, but the Cleveland Browns can put the Jets loss in the rearview mirror with a win over the Baltimore Ravens that would put them back atop the AFC North standings. 

Both teams are battling key injuries in this one, headlined by star QB Lamar Jackson being ruled out in advance of Sunday. That's a critical blow for Baltimore, but their offense remains loaded around backup QB Tyler Huntley, especially if the Browns are missing DT Mason Graham, LB Carson Schwesinger or both. 

Regardless, AFC North games tend to be pretty competitive. Can Todd Monken exact some revenge on his former team? Here are our picks. 

Who Wins?

Anthony Moeglin

It’s a Cleveland Sunday as the Browns kickoff the first leg of an amazing double header that features the Browns and the Guardians playing in back-to-back time slots. Todd Monken's group holds up its end of the bargain, by pulling off an upset over the Ravens to move back into their rightful spot at the top of the AFC North.

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Spencer German: 

A matchup against the Ravens without Lamar does a feel a little less daunting, but Tyler Huntley is plenty capable of running a this high octane Ravens offense and winning this football game. It all starts with the run game for both of these teams. Baltimore boasts one of the best rushing attacks in the league led by Derrick Henry. Cleveland's run game remains stuck in the mud aside from Deshaun Watson running the football. That discrepancy, and the Ravens' ability to hit explosive plays feel like major keys in this one. I think Baltimore wins a one-possession game, late. 

Do The Browns Cover?

Anthony:

Yes. Baltimore is -3 favorites on Sunday and the Browns sneak out a win, 24-17.

Spencer:

The spread has fluctuated a bit throughout the week. It grew to as high as -5.5 in favor of Baltimore, but with Jackson officially ruled out, it sits at -3 heading into Sunday. Cleveland doesn't quite cover in this one, as the Ravens win 27-20. 

Bold Prediction For Sunday

Anthony

Both KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston find the end zone

It’s all about the rookies this week, as both KC and Denzel Boston find the endzone as the Browns steal this win. KC’s touchdown is the decider. Late in the fourth quarter Concepcion will find the endzone to give the Browns the win.

Spencer:

Grant Delpit snags a pick 6

The Browns defense has been very opportunistic this season and is creating turnovers more consistently than it has in recent seasons. Because Huntley isn't much of a threat to push the ball down the field the secondary can be a little more aggressive in coverage. Thus, Delpit creates the latest turnover and turns it into six.

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