scouting report

the pick browns 27-13

Ravens run offense vs. Browns run defense: The Ravens controlled the clock with their running game against Cleveland six weeks ago, but it should be more of a challenge this time. Bothered by knee and ankle injuries, Willis McGahee (questionable) has averaged less than 3 yards a carry in three of his past four games. The Ravens' ground game has dried up on the road, averaging 3.4 yards a carry at Pittsburgh, Indianapolis and Miami. Cleveland's run defense bounced back last Sunday against a ragged Jaguars offensive line, holding Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew to 53 yards on 20 carries (2.7-yard average). In the previous two weeks, Cleveland had allowed 100-yard rushers (the Giants' Derrick Ward and the Redskins' Clinton Portis). Edge: EVEN

Ravens pass offense vs. Browns pass defense: Rookie QB Joe Flacco has a better rating on the road (81.1) than at home (60.6) this season, averaging 221.7 passing yards in three road games. But the Browns' pass defense, which is ranked 10th in the NFL, has stepped up recently. In the past four games, Cleveland has allowed just one quarterback to throw for more than 200 yards, giving up five touchdowns and making six interceptions. It'll be interesting to see how Ravens LT Jared Gaither, who missed a couple of practices with a neck injury, handles Cleveland pass rusher Kamerion Wimbley. SS Sean Jones (knee) is questionable. Edge: BROWNS

Browns run offense vs. Ravens run defense: Earlier this season, Jamal Lewis was trying to sidestep tacklers. Now, the Browns running back is running over them. After being limited to 56 yards on 12 carries against the Ravens, Lewis has gained at least 79 yards in four straight games, scoring three touchdowns in that stretch. Only one running back (the Colts' Dominic Rhodes) has gained more than 56 yards against the Ravens. Rhodes is also the only one to score a rushing touchdown. In three games against his former team, Lewis has averaged 70.6 yards and has scored two touchdowns. Edge: RAVENS

Browns pass offense vs. Ravens pass defense: Ravens CBs Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle are expected to be out of the starting lineup for the third straight week. The Ravens will start Fabian Washington and Frank Walker, who has played better than he did earlier this season. But unlike Miami and Oakland, the Browns have weapons in the passing game (WRs Braylon Edwards and Donte' Stallworth) to hurt the Ravens. Cleveland QB Derek Anderson hasn't thrown an interception in 105 passes and has been sacked only twice in his past three games. In his past two games, Ravens LB Terrell Suggs has 17 tackles, two sacks and one interception return for a touchdown. Edge: BROWNS