Reed, of course, refers to the Ravens’ 1996 formation that spawned from the Browns’ controversial move away from Cleveland. The history of the franchise remained in Ohio while the Ravens have been regarded as a de facto expansion franchise. Baltimore has dominated the ensuing divisional rivalry to the tune of a 36-14 record since Cleveland’s return, though the two sides split the season series this time around.

Flacco, 38, put up respectable numbers in his Browns debut, going 23-of-44 for 252 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception in a 36-19 interconference loss to the Los Angeles Rams. As it stands, the Browns (7-5) placed sixth in the AFC and hold one of three wild card spots between four teams with matching records. They return to action on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars (1 p.m. ET, CBS).

DEC 4 RAVENS LOSE NO. 1 SEED IN AFC The Baltimore Ravens’ time atop the AFC has come to an end for the time being.

The Miami Dolphins’ 45-15 win over the Washington Commanders improved their record to 9-3 and moved them atop the AFC. The Ravens (9-3) are now the No. 2 seed as they’re currently on their bye week.

The Kansas City Chiefs fell behind Baltimore and Miami by a game after their 27-19 loss to the Green Bay Packers. The Jacksonville Jaguars (8-3) will have a chance to have the same record as the Ravens and Dolphins with a win on Monday Night Football against the Cincinnati Bengals (5-6).

Baltimore will have its chances to reclaim the No. 1 seed later this month when they face the Jaguars in Jacksonville on Dec. 17 and on Dec. 31 when it hosts Miami.

NOV 30 MADUBUIKE DESTINED FOR FRANCHISE TAG? Adam Schefter revealed that the Baltimore Ravens attempted to lock down the future of standout pass rusher Justin Madubuike before this season began. The failure to do so … and Madubuike’s finest professional season to date … could force the Ravens to place the franchise tag on him.

Baltimore put on a press to sign him this summer, he rolled the dice, he bet on himself,” Schefter said on his eponymous podcast. “If they can’t get him re-signed they’ll probably have to use their franchise tag on him.”

Madubuike has certainly cashed in on that bet: he’s already set a new career-high with 10 sacks, one of 10 defenders to reach double-figures in quarterback takedowns this season.

NOV 29 DESEAN JACKSON TO ANNOUNCE RETIREMENT Three-time Pro Bowl receiver DeSean Jackson is set to announce his retirement on Friday, his 37th birthday. It will end a 15-year career that finished with the Baltimore Ravens last season. Jackson is set to sign an honorary contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, his original and longest-tenured NFL employers (2008-13, 2019-20)

DeSean Jackson was a dynamic playmaker who captivated Eagles fans with his game-breaking speed, unique skill set, and explosive play,” Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said in a statement on the team’s official site. “What made DeSean truly stand out during his accomplished 15-year career was his ability to make miraculous plays look routine.

Jackson’s final NFL action thus came with the Ravens, who had him on the field for seven games last season. He earned 153 yards on nine receptions in that span. His other NFL stops include Washington, Tampa Bay, Los Angeles (Rams), and Las Vegas.