Ravens Lock Up AFC’s Third Seed After Victory Against the Browns
In an all-AFC North Saturday doubleheader, the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns kicked things off with the Ravens eyeing a division title. The Browns' season has been filled with disappointment, struggles, and quarterback changes, with former Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe becoming the fourth starter this season and the 40th different quarterback to start for Cleveland since 1999. Despite their challenges, the Browns still aspired to spoil their division rival's dreams of a title. Meanwhile, the Ravens, who entered the game at 11-5, had one task and one goal: to win. A victory in their Week 18 regular-season finale would clinch their second straight AFC North Division title. In what was a classic AFC North physical battle, despite the Browns’ poor record, the Ravens handled their business, becoming AFC North Champions with their 35-10 victory over the Browns.
To begin the game, the Browns started with the ball, looking to create some early momentum. After gaining a first down on the opening play, the Browns’ offense stalled near midfield as the Ravens' defense came out strong. On the Ravens' first possession, the Browns' defense, led by edge rusher Myles Garrett, forced a punt near midfield, with both teams trading punts early on. The Ravens’ defense continued its strong start on the Browns’ next possession, taking advantage of quarterback Bailey Zappe making his first NFL start since the 2023 season. Rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins jumped in front of a pass intended for receiver Elijah Moore, returning it for his first career interception and pick-six, giving the Ravens a 7-0 lead midway through the opening quarter. On their next possession, the Browns faced a fourth-and-one at their 39-yard line and decided to go for it. However, veteran cornerback Marlon Humphrey broke up a pass intended for receiver Jerry Jeudy, forcing a turnover on downs and giving Baltimore possession in Browns' territory. The Ravens’ offense, though, failed to convert on fourth down at the nine-yard line when Lamar Jackson’s pass to Derrick Henry in the end zone went off his fingertips, leaving Baltimore without points.
Early in the second quarter, after a poor punt by Browns punter Corey Bojorquez, the Ravens gained possession in Browns’ territory again. They took advantage as Lamar Jackson connected with tight end Mark Andrews for a 12-yard touchdown, extending the Ravens' lead to 14-0. With this, Jackson became the first player in NFL history to record 4,000 passing yards and 800 rushing yards in a season. After driving deep into Ravens' territory, the Browns had to settle for a 23-yard chip-shot field goal by kicker Dustin Hopkins, cutting the Ravens' lead to 14-3 with six minutes left in the first half. After an excellent 47-yard kickoff return by running back Keaton Mitchell, the Ravens appeared set to add more points. However, on a fourth-and-three, the Browns’ defense came up big with another fourth-down stop, preventing Baltimore from taking a commanding lead. After the Ravens failed to score before halftime, the score remained 14-3, with Baltimore leading as both teams headed into the locker room.
Following a sluggish first half by the Ravens’ offense, filled with drops and penalties, the Ravens began to find their groove. After quickly marching down into the red zone, Jackson connected with receiver Rashod Bateman, who was wide open in the end zone for a seven-yard touchdown, extending Baltimore’s lead to 21-3 coming out of halftime. After a scoreless third quarter following the Ravens' opening drive touchdown, the Browns eventually put together their first touchdown drive of the game. With 11 minutes left in the game, Zappe found tight end Jordan Akins for a 16-yard touchdown reception, cutting the Ravens' lead to 21-10 and forcing Baltimore to keep their starters in the game instead of resting them for the remainder of the game. In search of a game-sealing drive, the Ravens accomplished just that. As a result, they finished off a nearly five-minute drive, with Henry pushing his way into the end zone for a two-yard touchdown run, extending the Ravens' lead to 28-10 with six minutes left. Following another turnover on downs by Cleveland, the Ravens wouldn’t be done scoring, as Henry found a hole and sprinted for a 43-yard touchdown run, extending the Ravens' lead to 35-10. The Ravens would go on to close out the game and secure the AFC North Division for the eighth time in franchise history.
In the win, Lamar Jackson finished the game by completing 16 of 32 passes for 217 passing yards and two touchdowns, along with 63 rushing yards. On the ground, the Browns’ run defense, ranked 19th, held Henry in check for most of the first half. However, the five-time Pro Bowler began to find his running lanes in the second half, finishing with 138 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries. Meanwhile, Browns quarterback Bailey Zappe had a below-average performance, completing 16 of 31 passes for 170 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. The Browns will now head into a long-awaited offseason filled with questions on both sides of the ball. Meanwhile, the Ravens will prepare for the Wild Card round next weekend, set to face either the Chargers or Steelers at home, depending on how the rest of the Week 18 slate plays out.
