Championship teams avoid letdowns after big wins.
The Baltimore Ravens know that, and they're coming off one of their most significant regular-season victories, that entertaining and dramatic squeaker against New England.
Normally, the Browns wouldn't be much of a test for the Ravens. The vitriol in this rivalry belongs to the folks in Cleveland who still consider the original Browns' move to the Inner Harbor in 1996 a betrayal.
Not much hatred comes from the other side, in great part because the Browns have been a weak opponent for most of their 13 years back in the NFL.
Indeed, the Ravens (2-1) are ranked third in the AP Pro32 power rankings, while the Browns are all the way down at the bottom with an 0-3 record.
Baltimore is favoured by 12 points, but this game tonight comes on the heels of that oh-so-satisfying win over the Patriots. Coach John Harbaugh's team better make sure it is looking ahead, not behind.
"It's going to be tough, and we knew that," linebacker Ray Lewis said. "So we're going to have to get healthy. Cleveland doesn't care how we feel."
All the Browns care about is getting a win, but the Ravens have won eight straight against Cleveland.
RAVENS, 30-10
San Francisco (minus 3 1 /2) at New York Jets
49ers weren't ready in Minnesota. They will be primed at Meadowlands.
49ERS, 17-6
New York Giants (plus 2 1 /2) at Philadelphia
Giants showed their mettle in last two wins, Eagles are too careless.
GIANTS, 23-21
New Orleans (plus 7 1 /2) at Green Bay
Last thing you want is to face a ticked-off Packers team. PACKERS, 37-28
New England (minus 3 1 /2) at Buffalo
Unless, that is, it's facing a ticked-off bunch of Patriots. PATRIOTS, 38-27
Minnesota (plus 4 1 /2) at Detroit
Vikings a pleasant surprise so far, will test disappointing Lions.
LIONS, 28-27
Carolina (plus 7) at Atlanta
Some feel Falcons are NFL's best team so far.
Hard to argue.
FALCONS, 31-17
Tennessee (plus 12) at Houston
Some feel Texans are NFL's best team so far.
Hard to argue that, too.
TEXANS, 33-20
Miami (plus 6 1 /2) at Arizona
Some feel Cardinals are NFL's best team so far. If defence keeps this up, could be.
CARDINALS, 24-10
San Diego (minus 1 1 /2) at Kansas City
Just can't trust Chargers - not that Chiefs are anything special.
CHIEFS, 20-17
Seattle (minus 2 1 /2) at St. Louis
If it comes down to a desperation pass on final play, go with Seattle.
SEAHAWKS, 27-13
Oakland (plus 6) at Denver
Steelers handed Raiders a gift. Peyton won't be so charitable. BRONCOS, 26-24
Cincinnati (minus 1 1 /2)
at Jacksonville
Bengals beat a better Washington team on road last week. BENGALS, 22-14
Washington (plus 3) at Tampa Bay
Bucs play teams tough, can handle this NFC East foe - barely.
BUCCANEERS, 30-28 MONDAY
Chicago (plus 3 1 /2) at Dallas
Aaron Rodgers was sacked eight times last Monday night. Jay Cutler could go down more often.
COWBOYS, 20-13
