Ravens clinch historic 47-42 win over Browns

Lamar Jackson hauled himself out of the locker room to lead a sensational late turnaround as the Baltimore Ravens edged the Cleveland Browns 47-42 in a breathtaking NFL contest.

Justin Tucker posted the game-winning kick from 55-yards with two seconds left on the clock after reigning MVP Jackson led an ice-cold 38-yard field-goal drive with just over a minute remaining and the scores locked at 42-42.

Cleveland conceded a desperation last-play safety to close a wild AFC North affair, which cranked up a gear when Jackson was forced off the field with cramps after he had expertly guided Baltimore to a 14-point lead at the back end of the third quarter on Monday.

Browns take the initiative

While the Ravens' offence stalled under second-year passer Trace McSorley, the Browns picked up speed. Baker Mayfield had thrown a 21-yard touchdown pass on fourth down to Rashad Higgins before the Cleveland passer scrambled in from five yards to flip the scores from 34-28 to 35-34 in the home side's favour with six minutes to play.

When McSorley went down hurt, Jackson was dramatically sent out for a fourth and five with the game effectively on the line.

After scrambling right, Jackson threw a 44-yard dart for receiver Marquise Brown to score and JK Dobbins added the two extra points to give the Ravens a 42-35 lead.

Jackson drags Ravens back from brink

Mayfield was still not finished and responded with a 47-second, 75-yard touchdown drive as Kareem Hunt ran in a 22-yard score to level up at 42-42 before Jackson delivered the final, remarkable twist and Tucker held his nerve.

It marked the first game in NFL history in which both teams rushed for four-plus touchdowns, per Stats Perform.

Fourth quarter mayhem

Jackson had been at his brilliant best with the ball in hand, running for two touchdowns and 124 yards from nine carries, before he dragged himself off the treatment table to complete five of six passes for 82 yards and a TD at FirstEnergy Stadium.

Mayfield also shined under the spotlight, throwing for 346 yards, two TDs and his first interception in six matches as the Browns scored 22 of their 42 points in a breathless fourth quarter.

Baltimore's five rushing touchdowns and Cleveland's four combines for the equal most in a single game in NFL history, according to NFL Research. The only other two games with nine combined rushing touchdowns happened in 1922.

A gut-wrenching home loss saw the Browns' four-match winning streak halted as they dropped to 9-4, while the Ravens made up ground on their divisional rivals, improving to 8-5 as the race for the NFL playoffs hots up with three games remaining.