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The Baltimore Ravens open their AFC North title defense with a division rivalry matchup. They host the Cleveland Browns in Week 1. Lamar Jackson and the Ravens tore through the league last season, averaging a league-high 31.9 points per game while allowing the third-fewest, with 18.2 points per game. Their two losses last year were in Week’s 3 and 4. One loss was to the eventual champion Kansas City Chiefs, but the other was to the underachieving Browns. They went on to thump the Browns in Cleveland 31-15 in Week 16.
The Browns hype machine was in overdrive last offseason, but they ended up going 6-10. They did beef up their offensive line this offseason and should be ready to make a step forward, but have a tough matchup to start their season.
TV Info
Date: September 13
Time: 1 p.m. ET
Channel: CBS
Broadcast map
Notable Statistical rankings (Football Outsiders)
Browns (2019): 17th vs. Pass, 30th vs. Rush
Ravens (2019): 4th vs. Pass, 20th vs. Rush
DraftKings Sportsbook odds
Browns: +8, +290
Ravens: -8, -375
Total: 48.5
Pick: Ravens
The Browns should be better this year, but the Ravens look poised to be better as well. The last two season, John Harbaugh has had his team primed for Week 1, leading to blowouts. I like their chances for another hot start to the season.
Injury report
Browns
Wednesday
DNP: T Christopher Hubbard (ankle), CB Kevin Johnson (liver), CB Greedy Williams (shoulder), LB Mack Wilson (knee)
Limited: CB M.J. Stewart (hamstring), C J.C. Tretter (knee)
Thursday
DNP: T Christopher Hubbard (ankle), CB Kevin Johnson (liver), CB Greedy Williams (shoulder), LB Mack Wilson (knee)
Limited: CB M.J. Stewart (hamstring), C J.C. Tretter (knee)
Ravens
Wednesday
DNP: RB Justice Hill (thigh), DT Justin Madubuike (knee), WR Chris Moore (finger)
Thursday
DNP: RB Justice Hill (thigh), D WR Chris Moore (finger)
Fantasy football start/sit advice
Browns
Odell Beckham Jr., Wide receiver, $5,900
I doubt I’ll be too keen on playing Browns player in cash lineups, but OBJ played hurt last season and appears to be healthy while Baker Mayfield should have more time with an offensive line upgrade. You’re likely playing Beckham in redraft and he makes for an interesting play in GPPs as well. He’s not safe, but a healthy OBJ is someone you want on your team.
Nick Chubb, Running back, $6,500
Last season, Nick Chubb went off on the Ravens in Week 4, rushing for 165 yards and three touchdowns. He almost single-handedly won that game for them and if they are to slow down the Ravens again, it will likely be through Chubb grinding out the ball on the ground. I don’t think they’ll be able to repeat that game, but it is in the cards and worth a contrary play in DFS while in redraft, you’re starting Chubb as long as he’s healthy.
Ravens
Lamar Jackson, Quarterback, $8,100
Jackson put up 33.8 and 26.48 DK points in his two games against the Browns last year. This season he should have a healthy Marquise Brown and Mark Andrews while other receivers like Miles Boykin and rookie Devin Duvernay have good upside. I’m all in on Jackson having the same upside as his huge 2019 and playing the Browns defense at home is helpful.
Marquise Brown, Wide receiver, $5,100
Brown started scorching hot last season with 147 yards and two touchdowns against the Dolphins in Week 1, but injuries slowed him down throughout the season. Now that he’s healthy again, he makes for an incredibly high upside play in a good matchup at a reasonable price to start the season.