Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns -- Week 9
Where: Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland (grass, outside)
When: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
Spread: Ravens by 3.5
Forecast: Partly cloudy with the temperature in the mid-40s.
Records: Ravens (5-2; AFC North 2-0); Browns (2-6; AFC North 1-2)
Past results: Two most recent meetings -- Sept. 27, 2012: Ravens 23, Browns 16; Dec. 24, 2011: Ravens 20, Browns 14. Series record: Ravens hold a 20-7 edge.
What matters: Though the Ravens run defense held Trent Richardson to under 50 rushing yards in Baltimore's Week 4 win over Cleveland, the Ravens have been burned for 622 combined rushing yards in the past three outings. Linebackers Terrell Suggs and Albert McClellan will be counted on to set the edges with Jameel McClain and Dannell Ellerbe fitting the run gaps inside. If the defensive line can prevent being pushed back like it has for most of the season, then Richardson can be contained.
Who matters: The Ravens must get Ray Rice more carries after he only received nine against Houston two weeks ago. Rice has had a lot of success against the Browns throughout his career. In a Dec. 4, 2011 meeting, he ran for a career-high 204 yards on the road in a win. He's tallied 1,009 yards from scrimmage against the Browns, which is an average of 112.1 total yards per game. For the Ravens to avoid an upset, they'll have to commit to the running game and use Rice to move the chains.
Key matchups: Ravens CBs Jimmy Smith and Cary Williams vs. Browns WRs Greg Little and Josh Gordon. Gordon, who only had one catch for 16 yards in his first meeting against Baltimore, has emerged as a deep threat for Cleveland in recent weeks. Gordon has had four touchdowns the past four weeks. Smith and Williams will look to contain both Gordon and Little, who have the ability to stretch defenses. ... Browns DE Jabaal Sheard vs. Ravens RT Kelechi Osemele. Osemele had a tough outing against the Browns the first time around due to Cleveland implementing a lot of movement and stunts up front. Osemele said he expects to see more movement this week as the Browns have used various looks in recent games. Sheard recorded one of Cleveland's four sacks in the Week 4 game against Baltimore.
Injuries of note: DT Haloti Ngata is dealing with a sprained MCL and a shoulder injury. He did not practice in either of Thursday and Friday's practices. DE Pernell McPhee has thigh and knee injuries and missed the full week of practice.
Inside stuff: Look for the Ravens offensive line to rotate players as there's a good chance Baltimore doesn't stick with the same five linemen for the entire game. Most notably, Jah Reid could be seeing some time off the bench at left guard.
Connections: Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome played 13 seasons as a tight end in Cleveland, catching 662 passes for 7,980 yards. ... Browns OT Oniel Cousins and DT Ishmaa'ily Kitchen previously played for the Ravens. ... Ravens coach John Harbaugh, Browns coach Pat Shurmur and Browns OC Brad Childress were once on the same coaching staff in Philadelphia.
Stat you should know: Browns QB Brandon Weeden has led 35 consecutive offensive possessions without a turnover. Cleveland hasn't turned the ball over in the past two games. The Ravens are plus-5 in turnover margin for the season.
Looking ahead: Including the Browns game, three of the next four games are on the road, and the Ravens have struggled offensively away from home; in three road games so far, they have averagd 15 points a game compared to a 32.5-point average at home. After facing the Browns, the Ravens have a home game against Oakland, and then they play Pittsburgh twice in three weeks with a road trip to San Diego in between. Harbaugh referred to the Browns game as a "must-win" and for good reason.
Prediction: Ravens 20, Browns 13
Follow Ravens reporter Jason Butt on Twitter: @CBSRavens and @JasonButtCBS.