On January 7, 2024, the Baltimore Ravens clinched the AFC North title with a commanding 35-10 victory over the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium. This decisive win not only secured the Ravens the title but also marked their place as the No. 3 seed for the upcoming playoffs. Meanwhile, the Browns capped off one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history, finishing with just three wins.
The Ravens entered the game as overwhelming favorites, with betting odds placing them at 20-point favorites against the struggling Browns. Despite their record, the Browns still boasted some talent, including standout defensive end Myles Garrett, but from the outset, it was clear the Ravens were the team with something to prove.
Early on, Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins set the tone for the game by intercepting Browns quarterback Bailey Zappe and returning it 26 yards for the first touchdown of his career. This early lead gave Baltimore the momentum they needed, leading to nerves for the Browns and their quarterback, who never seemed comfortable throughout the contest.
After taking the lead, the Ravens continued to apply pressure. Jackson orchestrated a dominant drive early in the second quarter, bringing the score to 14-0 after finding Rashod Bateman wide open for his first touchdown of the game. Jackson, known for his dual-threat capabilities, also contributed significantly on the ground, adding to the mounting pressure on the Browns’ defense.
Throughout the game, Derrick Henry pounded away at the Cleveland defense. The star running back showcased his skills, finishing with 130 rushing yards and two touchdowns. His performance was instrumental, particularly during the second half when Baltimore extended their lead significantly against the beleaguered Browns.
The Ravens opened the second half strong, scoring swiftly on their first drive of the third quarter. Jackson completed another touchdown pass, this time to Bateman, bringing the score to 21-3. The Ravens looked poised to solidify their victory as they increased the deficit with strong offensive plays.
Cleveland struggled to find any rhythm throughout the game. Their only score came late through Zappe’s pass to Jordan Akins, who caught the ball for the Browns' only touchdown of the game. Despite this moment, the Ravens quickly responded, demonstrating their dominance by scoring consecutive touchdowns to increase their lead to 35-10.
By the time the final whistle blew, the Ravens had racked up impressive stats, finishing the game with 3,818 passing yards and 2,969 rushing yards for the season, coming tantalizingly close to historic milestones. They are now on the brink of becoming the first team to surpass 4,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards within the same season.
Lamar Jackson’s performance was particularly noteworthy, as he completed 16 of his 32 passes for 217 yards, two touchdowns, and added 63 rushing yards. With these numbers, Jackson etched his name in history as the first quarterback ever to accumulate 4,000 passing yards and 800 rushing yards in a single season. His leadership on the field displayed why many regard him as one of the top quarterbacks currently playing.
Looking forward, the Ravens are set to host their first playoff game as the No. 3 seed on Super Wild Card Weekend, marking their return to the postseason after having success during the regular season. Fans are optimistic about their team's chances and are eagerly awaiting the matchup against either the Pittsburgh Steelers or the Los Angeles Chargers.
On the other side, the Browns have found themselves with heavy repercussions from the loss as they now shift their focus to the 2025 NFL Draft. This defeat not only reflects their underwhelming record of three wins but also their determination to make dramatic changes heading forward. With this loss, they will secure a top-three pick, and depending on other outcomes, they could potentially claim the top overall pick.
The Ravens demonstrated sheer resilience and power during their victory. They hope to carry this momentum with them as they head to the playoffs, aiming for success on the national stage. Meanwhile, the Browns have much to reconsider as they enter another offseason of turmoil.