The Cleveland Browns are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 17-12 loss to the New York Jets on Sunday. They will travel back home to face off in a divisional matchup against the AFC North leaders, the Baltimore Ravens. They will need a much better performance on both sides of the ball to walk away with a win.
The biggest question coming into this week is whether quarterback Lamar Jackson is suiting up. He is listed day-to-day with an ankle injury that he suffered back in Week 4 and has not been a participant in practice this week. Whether he is back or not, the Browns need to check these boxes if they want to get back on track.
How the Browns Win This AFC North Showdown
Protect Deshaun Watson
The offensive line needs to give Deshaun Watson more time in the pocket. Last week against the Jets, he was sacked eight times on 33 passing attempts. That performance is not good enough if they want to stand a chance against a veteran Ravens pass rush.
With these offensive line struggles, it is making life more difficult for Watson, who often finds himself dancing around the pocket and making off-timing throws. If these struggles continue, it is going to be difficult to put points on the board.
Drive the Ball Downfield
Through the first five weeks of the 2026 season, Cleveland ranks 27th in scoring offense, averaging just 18.6 points per game. They have also scored a measly nine touchdowns, tied for the third fewest in the NFL.
These low numbers show why the offense needs to find more ways to push the ball downfield and finish drives. The defense has been heavily relied on this year to finish out close games, while the offence struggles to back them up.
With the Ravens averaging 29.2 points per game, the offense of Cleveland will need to capitalize on good field position and a defensive stand.
Pressure the Ravens and Limit Their Big Plays
The defense will have a major challenge this week going up against Derrick Henry and Zay Flowers. They will need to put pressure on whoever is under center on Sunday, eliminating the development of big plays.
Henry rushed for 102 yards on 24 carries against the Atlanta Falcons last week, who rank number four in the NFL this season for opponent rushing yards. The Browns will need to improve their run defense as they rank just 18th in the NFL for opponent rushing yards and prevent the Ravens’ backs from finding open lines.
Flowers will be a name that will be one to watch on Sunday, as he has had a solid start to the 2026 season. Coming off eight catches for 53 yards, face Atlanta and, earlier in the year, had a 150-yard first half against Indianapolis. Denzel Ward will have his work cut out for him on Sunday if they wish to limit Flowers.
The Last Word
This Week 6 Browns vs. Ravens matchup is going to be a tough test against a bitter division rival, but if Cleveland can execute these three keys, it will give them a much better opportunity to seal a victory and put them in a nice position in a tight AFC North division.
Main Image: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
