By Matthew DelDonna, PSO Director of Football Development
Dec 15, 2020

A wild finish put the cherry on top of what was perhaps the game of the year in Cleveland, Ohio. As the Ravens and Browns faced off against each other on Monday Night Football, both teams came in vying for a better position in the playoff race; Baltimore needed a win to stay alive in the Wild Card race while a win for Cleveland would inch them closer to jumping over Pittsburgh for the AFC North division title. 

Lamar Jackson had himself a night as he was able to do damage on both the ground and through the air, meanwhile Baker Mayfield had another huge performance against a major competitor. Both teams threw haymakers at each other all night long until Justin Tucker finally delivered the knockout punch with just seconds remaining to topple the Browns with a garbage time Safety making the final score 47-42. 

Enjoy PSO’s Premium Review for the Ravens vs. Browns on Monday Night Football:

 
Lamar Jackson facts:
 
Final ResultsBAL (-172) d. @CLE (+15247-42 [BAL -3.0 | o45.5]
  • Justin Tucker is the GOAT Kicker

  • Lamar was wild on Monday Night

  • The 2019 MVP was slinging it, too

  • Mayfield was making plays as well

  • Bowser’s key INT set up another BAL TD

  • Gus was making everyone miss

1. This was the game of the year

Few people would argue after tonight that this matchup was one of, if not the game of the year by far. Both teams just kept the haymakers coming all night long, especially in the fourth quarter when each side was fighting for its life to stay alive in the shootout. History was also made on Monday night when Baker Mayfield’s RUSH TD late in the fourth quarter broke a Super Bowl Era NFL record with nine total RUSH TDs in a single game. Aside from making history, these two teams gave NFL fans alike quite the spectacle to behold in a game that will be remembered for many years to come, especially considering the divisional rivalry and what all was at stake.   

2. Baker is playing his best football when the Browns need it 

Despite the gut-wrenching loss, Baker Mayfield lit it up against a tough divisional opponent and showed he’s more than capable of leading his team to victory. Outside of tonight’s matchup, Baker also performed well against Cincy when he led his team with three 4th Qtr TDs and again against the Titans in an absolutely gargantuan showing of his skills. These types of gmes couldn’t come at a better time either as the season comes to a close and CLE needs as many wins as it can get right now. Mayfield’s continued success in high-pressure moments & games is also a great sign for his potential ability to lead Cleveland to their first playoff win since 1994.

3. Lamar is moving like an MVP again

After struggling for a short stretch and battling COVID, Lamar Jackson has started to return to his MVP form once again and did it in a critical game against a division rival. After handling the Cowboys on the ground, Jackson did the same against Cleveland and was ultimately the biggest difference-maker in Monday night’s game. His throws in big moments were accurate, escaping the pocket wasn’t an issue, and his ability to find creases in the defense was without question as he ran right up and down the field with the most RUSH YDS by a QB in MNF history. This is the player Baltimore will need to overtake one of those seven playoff spots in the AFC. 

For a primer on what the colors mean, click here. For BAL’s full Team Outlook, click here 
 

Baltimore’s big win on MNF put it right on the edge of the bubble in the eighth slot of the playoff race. Miami still holds the edge despite having an identical record to the Ravens, but that certainly could change in the coming weeks. With matchups against the Jaguars, Giants, and Bengals, BAL holds quite an advantage over MIA in the schedule department since they have to face the Patriots, Raiders, and Bills, all of which are playoff contenders unlike the Ravens’ opponents. Lamar Jackson is returning to form at the right time, and that may spell doom for the Dolphins if they can’t stay either level or ahead in the win column.

The Cleveland Browns are still in the thick of the playoff race and will most likely finish with a wild card spot. Don’t count out something bigger though; between a much-improved looking Baker Mayfield, a dual RB threat unlike any other in the league, and a stout offensive line, the Browns could actually very much still win the division if they win out and the Steelers lose to Cleveland and the Colts. With that upcoming matchup between PIT and CLE in Week 17, the AFC North winner may very well be determined then and there in a game that could shift the entire outcome of the 2020 NFL season.

Full game highlights from the Ravens vs. Browns Week 14 MNF matchup can be viewed below.

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