CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns have an opportunity to make a statement in the AFC North on Sunday afternoon when they welcome the Baltimore Ravens to Huntington Bank Field. But even without two-time MVP Lamar Jackson, the Ravens are still dangerous.

Cleveland (3-2) enters the matchup looking to rebound from last week's disappointing 17-12 loss to the New York Jets, which snapped a three-game winning streak. Baltimore (4-1), meanwhile, has won four of its first five games and enters Sunday looking to strengthen its position atop the division.

Jackson has been ruled out with an ankle injury, leaving Tyler Huntley to lead the Ravens' offense for the second consecutive week. Huntley helped Baltimore defeat Atlanta 30-23 in overtime last Sunday, throwing two touchdown passes and rushing for another score.

The Browns also face a familiar opponent on the sidelines. Cleveland head coach Todd Monken spent the previous three seasons as Baltimore's offensive coordinator, giving him familiarity with the Ravens' offensive personnel and system.

For Cleveland, the challenge is straightforward. The Browns must find a way to move the football against a talented Baltimore defense while preventing the Ravens from controlling the game on the ground.

The absence of Jackson certainly improves Cleveland's chances, but it doesn't necessarily make the Browns the better team.

Players to Watch

• Deshaun Watson — Watson's performance has been uneven through Cleveland's first five games. He's shown flashes of the ability to make plays both inside and outside the pocket, but inconsistency has prevented the Browns' offense from finding a reliable rhythm. Against Baltimore, those inconsistencies could be costly. The Ravens have a talented, physical defense capable of pressuring quarterbacks and forcing mistakes, particularly when opposing offenses fall behind the chains. Watson needs to be at his best Sunday, making quick decisions, protecting the football, and taking advantage of scoring opportunities. Cleveland cannot afford extended stretches of ineffective offense against a Baltimore team capable of controlling possession and limiting opportunities.

• Cleveland's Offensive Line — Watson's performance will depend heavily on what happens in front of him. The Browns' offensive line faces a difficult assignment against a Ravens defense that can create pressure without bringing extra guys. Baltimore is also getting pass rusher Trey Hendrickson back, adding another challenge for Cleveland's pass protection. But protecting Watson is only half the assignment. The Browns also need to establish a productive running game, something that would help keep Baltimore's defense honest and take pressure off their quarterback. The offensive line must create running lanes, avoid negative plays, and give Cleveland a chance to sustain drives. If the Browns are forced into obvious passing situations throughout the afternoon, Watson could spend much of the game under pressure, or on his back.

• Cleveland's Defensive Line — Lamar Jackson may be unavailable, but the Ravens haven't suddenly become a pass-first offense. Derrick Henry remains one of the most difficult running backs in football to bring down, and Huntley is capable of making plays with his legs as well. The Browns need their defensive line to win at the line of scrimmage, close running lanes, and prevent Henry from consistently gaining yards on early downs. If Baltimore can run the football effectively, Huntley won't need to do much through the air. The Ravens will be able to control the clock, sustain drives, and keep Cleveland's offense on the sidelines. The Browns' best opportunity is to take away the running game and force Huntley to beat them with his arm. He demonstrated against Atlanta that he's capable of doing exactly that, but Atlanta's defense isn't Cleveland's. If the Browns can make the Ravens one-dimensional, Huntley may have trouble moving the offense with his arm alone.

Game Information

Notes

• Cleveland is 3-2 after having its three-game winning streak snapped by the New York Jets last Sunday.

• Baltimore has won three consecutive games and leads the AFC North with a 4-1 record.

• Lamar Jackson has been ruled out with an ankle injury, and Tyler Huntley will make his second consecutive start.

• Huntley completed 24 of 32 passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns against Atlanta last week, adding a rushing touchdown in Baltimore's overtime victory.

• Browns head coach Todd Monken spent the previous three seasons as Baltimore's offensive coordinator.

• Cleveland defensive tackles Kalia Davis and Mike Hall Jr. have been ruled out, while Mason Graham and linebacker Carson Schwesinger entered the weekend listed as questionable.

• Baltimore defeated Cleveland 23-16 in the teams' most recent meeting, scoring the winning touchdown late in the fourth quarter.

Prediction

I'd love to pick the Browns in this one, especially with Jackson sidelined and Cleveland playing at home. But even without their starting quarterback, I think the Ravens are simply the better team overall right now.

Watson has shown that he can make plays, but he hasn't demonstrated the consistency Cleveland needs from its quarterback. Against Baltimore's defense, I expect that inconsistency to be a significant problem. The Browns can't afford to waste possessions or settle for field goals when they have opportunities to score touchdowns.

The offensive line will also have its hands full. Cleveland needs to establish a running game to keep Baltimore from focusing entirely on Watson, but I have my doubts about whether the Browns can consistently win at the line of scrimmage against this defense.

Defensively, I like Cleveland's chances a little better. Jackson's absence takes away one of Baltimore's biggest weapons, and if the Browns can contain Henry, they'll have an opportunity to make Huntley win the game with his arm.

I hope I'm wrong, but I expect Baltimore to move the ball more than the Cleveland does. Unless Watson delivers one of his best performances of the season, I don't see the Browns generating enough offense to win what should be a typical AFC North slug-fest.

Baltimore 23, Cleveland 10