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Zinno: Ravens Reactive - Week 9 Preview

Cleveland Browns v Baltimore Ravens
(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

KEY MATCHUP: Jordan Cameron against the Ravens LBs. He had five catches for 95 yards in the first meeting and is the leading receiver on the team. Lots of attention will be paid to Josh Gordon, who missed the first meeting. The Ravens have always done a good job of containing the big threat, so Cameron could have a big day once again as the Ravens have struggled to contain the middle of the field on defense.

THE RAVENS WIN IF: They force Jason Campbell to be Jason Campbell. He is mistake machine. Rattle his cage. Force him to make mistakes. Continue to apply pressure. He will turn the ball over. Once that happens the Ravens can take advantage. And after a Pittsburgh game where they were limited on possessions, they will need as many as they can get here.

THE RAVENS LOSE IF: They give up the big play. It's happened way too much for this defense this year. It's close to averaging once a game. In the first contest, RB Chris Ogbonnaya dropped what would have been a sure game-changing touchdown. It was probably the main reason the Ravens won the first match-up. With the offense struggling, they may not be able to overcome a big mistake.

FANTASY TIP: Ray Rice says he's 100% healthy again after his hip injury. We will find out. If he is back to his explosive, Pro-Bowl form, he should have a big game against the Browns defense. Fantasy owners can only hope.

WHAT'S AT STAKE: The Ravens are in a dire spot right now. They need to win these next two divisional games to have a shot to get back in this thing. Step one is beating the Browns. They can ill afford to look past this team to a home game with the Bengals in Week 10. A must win for Baltimore.

Follow me on Twitter @MarkZinno

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