Week 18 Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns prediction and fantasy outlook feat. Lamar Jackson, Myles Garrett

Just like that, we are here in Week 18 of the 2024 NFL season and the Browns and the Ravens go head-to-head to start the proceedings. When this game was scheduled in the offseason, one would have considered this a marquee clash that could determine the division. The reigning NFL MVP, Lamar Jackson, would be up against the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year, Myles Garrett.

It still is a matchup that could control who ends up topping the AFC North, but not in a way that the Browns would have wanted. Cleveland is out of playoff contention with a 3-13 record and is churning through quarterbacks. Deshaun Watson was abysmal before he tore his Achilles. Jameis Winston was a turnover machine. His replacement Dorian Thompson-Robinson was no better with interceptions, and Bailey Zappe is now scheduled to face Baltimore.

However, their defense still can keep them in the game and if they defeat the Ravens, and the Steelers win against the Bengals later in the day, Pittsburgh will nick the division. Doing that will be far tougher than simply saying it, as Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry will bring a formidable offense. Baltimore has the highest total yards per game and they will bring their A-game knowing a victory here gives them the AFC North title as Wild Card round home advantage.

Theoretically, the Browns don't have anything riding on this game. However, anybody who knows the Ravens' history and the original franchise's relocation from Cleveland will know that this is an ultimate grudge match. They will come prepared and Myles Garrett would love to add to the 14 sacks he already has this season. This is how we expect the match to turn out.

Ravens vs. Browns prediction

The Browns' defense has allowed 212.1 passing yards and 124.1 rushing yards per game. Their numbers are similar to the Raiders, who defeated the Ravens earlier in the season. However, that was a time when the quarterback carousel was yet to get moving in Las Vegas and Derrick Henry was still settling into the offense in Baltimore.

A more apt example might be the Giants game that the Ravens won 35-14 in December. New York gives up an average of 208 yards through the air and 141.6 yards on the ground. They too have a rotating quarterback cast.

Consider also that the Ravens are the best offense in the NFL with 424.2 total yards per game, and the matchup becomes incredibly difficult. They have an average of over 30 points per game, exceed 185 yards on the ground, and have a none-too-shabby mean of 238.6 passing yards per match. Lamar Jackson is in contention to win the MVP for a second-straight year while also locking up the AFC North top spot.

With everything considered, it is hard to see anything other than a Baltimore win. Cleveland will do well to limit the damage but they are unlikely to score too much on offense with a new quarterback. Taking our cue from the Ravens' 35-14 win over the Giants three weeks ago, we expect Baltimore to reach that mark again while the Browns fail to score as many in Bailey Zappe's first start. We expect a blowout defeat for Myles Garrett and company.

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Prediction: Ravens: 35 - 10 Browns

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Ravens vs. Browns fantasy outlook

Based on the state of the matchup, both Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry are expected to be great additions to any fantasy team. Isaiah Likely has three touchdowns in his last four games and could be a sneaky pick. Running back Justice Hill, though, is ruled out for the game.

The Browns are likely to be outscored and their offense has struggled all year. Hence, fantasy football managers might choose to forgo looking at Cleveland in Week 18.

Where to watch Ravens vs. Browns

Fans can follow the action from this AFC North clash as per below details:

• Day and Date: Saturday, January 4, 2025
• Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
• TV channel: ABC/ESPN
• Location: Baltimore, Maryland
• Stadium: M&T Bank Stadium

The match can also be streamed on FuboTV or ESPN App.