Ravens vs. Browns: 3 players looking to build on strong Week 5 games

The Baltimore Ravens needed contributions from across the roster to win a Week 5 primetime affair in overtime. For the most part, they got what they needed. Several players gave the coaching staff reasons to feel encouraged heading into Week 6.

The Cleveland Browns are next on the schedule. Baltimore will need those performances to carry over and become part of a larger trend rather than isolated bright spots.

Momentum can change football games and atmospheres. Several Ravens players have seen their stock rise. Tyler Huntley’s inclusion on this list would be a no-brainer after his performance against the Atlanta Falcons. Just for kicks, though, let’s dig a little deeper and highlight three other Ravens who made their presence felt in Week 5 and can keep building momentum against Cleveland.

Justice Hill, running back

Justice Hill made the most of his limited rushing opportunities against Atlanta, finishing with 73 yards on four carries. That includes a 47-yard gain. That explosiveness gives Baltimore another way to stress a defense beyond feeding Derrick Henry between the tackles.

Against Cleveland, Hill’s challenge will be finding opportunities without needing another highlight run to define his afternoon. His versatility as a receiver and pass protector can also help Huntley on passing downs, making him a useful option when the Browns attempt to anticipate Baltimore’s intentions.

Malaki Starks, safety

Malaki Starks delivered his most productive performance of the season against Atlanta, recording ten tackles, including two tackles for loss, while showing his value closer to the line of scrimmage. His ability to finish plays has become an encouraging development for a defense that needs better consistency on early downs.

Cleveland will test that progress by asking Baltimore to tackle reliably and limit yards after contact. Starks must keep taking sound angles and playing with discipline without losing his coverage responsibilities. If he sustains that balance, he can help the Ravens make opposing offenses work harder for every yard.

Ronnie Stanley, offensive tackle

Pro Football Focus charts Ronnie Stanley with allowing four pressures (all hurries) on 42 pass-blocking snaps. He also committed a penalty, but he didn’t allow any sacks. He’s strung together some impressive stretches, and another performance like his most recent would certainly be appreciated by whoever his quarterback winds up being.

On the Ravens injury report but worth mentioning

Trenton Simpson (hamstring) and Rashod Bateman (shoulder) both appeared on the Ravens’ injury report on Wednesday. It’s too early to know if they’ll play, but if they can, they’re also enjoying a rise in their personal stock.

Trenton Simpson, linebacker

Trenton Simpson has become a recurring name whenever the Ravens’ recent defensive standouts come up, and that consistency is worth watching. He recorded a sack against Atlanta and seven tackles, adding another meaningful contribution to a season in which he keeps making plays. His progress is becoming difficult to dismiss as a one-game flash. He was a limited participant at Ravens practice on Wednesday.

The next step is maintaining that impact against Cleveland. Simpson must continue diagnosing plays quickly, attacking downhill and contributing as a pass rusher when opportunities arise. If he keeps stacking performances like these, he could enter the Pro Bowl conversation rather than remaining a player whose contributions are primarily appreciated in Baltimore.

Rashod Bateman, wide receiver

Rashod Bateman gave Huntley a dependable option when the offense needed to make plays. He caught five passes and led Baltimore’s receivers with 62 yards through the air. He was also a limited participant on Wednesday at Ravens practice.

His ability to find openings and provide a reliable target helped the quarterback navigate a challenging road environment without Jackson available. That connection could become increasingly valuable against Cleveland.

Bateman does not need to produce another team-high in receiving yards to make an impact. Winning on intermediate routes and converting important third downs would help Baltimore sustain drives. If he keeps Huntley confident throwing into tight windows, the Ravens can make their passing game harder to defend.

The bottom line: Baltimore’s depth becomes more valuable when its supporting players turn promising performances into consistent contributions. Each man on this list can influence the matchup against the Browns differently, and another productive Sunday from this group could give the Ravens more reasons to feel encouraged and, quite possibly, a fourth consecutive win to celebrate.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens vs. Browns: 3 players looking to build on strong Week 5 games