Background:

The Ravens come into the game as one of the best offensive teams in the NFL scoring the second most points only behind Drew Brees and the Super Saints. The Baltimore offense is 3^rd in yards per game, 2^nd in total points, and 1^st in first downs per game.

As always, the Baltimore defense is holding up solid only allowing 41 yards per game on the ground. However, they are still giving up huge yardage through the air as they stand 28^th in the NFL.

Thoughts from Ravens' Week 2: http://www.informativesports.com/Articles/NFL/Articles/Ravens_Review.htm

Thoughts from Ravens' Week 1: http://www.fannation.com/blogs/post/444519

2009 Season Preview: http://www.informativesports.com/Articles/NFL/2009/BAL.htm

The Browns are starting off this year just like they were playing last year - atrocious. They are ranked 25^th in the NFL in yards allowed, 28^th in points allowed, 32^nd in offensive yards, and tied for 30^th in points per game. Those numbers plus the fact that they are going to be playing in Baltimore makes it a long Sunday for the Dawg Pound.

2009 Browns Season Preview: http://www.informativesports.com/Articles/NFL/2009/CLEV.htm

Key Match-Ups:

Joe Thomas vs. The Blitz

The best offensive lineman in the NFL is pinned against one of the best pass rushing teams in the game. Whether it be Haloti Ngata or Terrell Suggs, Joe Thomas has to be at his best to give Brady Quinn the time he desperately needs. Joe has allowed only 1 sack on the season so far.

Meanwhile, Terrell Suggs has 1.5 sacks this year and Haloti Ngata has a half sack. He also has to worry about Jarrett Johnson who has two sacks on the season.

I wouldn't be surprised to see the blitzes go away from Joe Thomas and be focused on the opposite end. But that could backfire once they start running Jamal Lewis behind big Joe.

Jamal Lewis vs. Ray Lewis

Jamal Lewis' good days are long behind him, mainly because he doesn't get to play against the Browns anymore. He has fallen from rushing for 2000+ yards in 2003 down to barely rushing for 1000 last season. With the Ravens only allowing 41 rushing yards per game this year, it isn't good for the aging J-Lew.

Ray Lewis, also aging himself, has saw some decrease in his numbers. But with last week's 12 tackle performance (10 solo) showed the world that he can still play.

The Browns will probably, wisely, choose to air it out this week because of these reasons.

Players to Watch:

Ed Reed - S - Baltimore Ravens

Its been a real shame that the most exciting player to watch on defense has been so quiet the entire season. On the year, his numbers of 5 tackles and 0 interceptions are very depressing.

This week, he will be going against a weak Brady Quinn and a Cleveland offense that will have to depend on the passing game to even have a chance to win the game. I wouldn't be surprised to see atleast one, maybe two, interceptions from Reed this week. Usually when Reed wakes up, his numbers come in bunches. If you look back to week 11 of last year, he had two interceptions, another two in week 14, another two in week 15, and, you guessed it, another two in week 16.

On the season, Quinn has already thrown two interceptions.

Well, this is all if Reed plays. He is questionable for week 3 with a pinched nerve.

Braylon Edwards - WR - Cleveland Browns

If the Browns do see success this week on offense, it will be through Braylon Edwards. He is their most loved target with 7 receptions this year and 104 yards to lead the team. He lead the team in the same two categories last season, in yards in 2007, and in 2006. No doubt Braylon is a deep threat if he can catch the ball.

He will be going against Fabian Washington and Domonique Foxworth whom are both not good. He is bound to get a ton of yards on this weak pass defense.

Predictions:

Ravens win their easiest game of the season so far as they stomp the Browns 41-10. The big performer on offense for the Ravens will be Willis McGahee as he rumbles for over 100 yards. Joe Flacco will also air it out for 300 yards, namely, to Kelley Washington who continues leading the team in receiving.

On the Browns side, Jamal Lewis gets no where by only rushing for 30 yards. Brady Quinn makes multiple mistakes throwing three interceptions - one to Ray Lewis, one to Ed Reed (if he plays), and another to Terrell Suggs. Two of the three go back to the house.