Browns @ Broncos
Graham Tiedtke
The Cleveland Browns head to Denver for a showdown with the Broncos. Both teams are still in the playoff picture despite having losing records.
Cleveland has finally found its quarterback of the future in first overall pick Baker Mayfield. The Broncos picked star pass rusher Bradley Chubb with the fifth pick in the same draft. Both players have worked out great for their respective team.
Now they face each other in the NFL.
Mayfield has been sacked 36 times this season, tied for thirteenth most in the entire league. The Broncos will look to use Von Miller and Chubb to get to the Browns rookie and force him into mistakes.
Unfortunately for Denver, Mayfield is a good athlete and can escape pressure.
If Denver is able to get pressure on Mayfield and stop Bradley Chubb’s cousin, Nick (Browns rookie running back), Denver should get the win.
On offense, the Broncos will roll with Courtland Sutton and Daesean Hamilton at wide receiver. They should have a very good day with Browns rookie Denzel Ward injured with a concussion. It remains to be seen whether or not Ward will be available for Cleveland.
Broncos 24, Browns 21
Baylor Bradac
The Broncos are coming off a disappointing loss to the 49ers and are back at home to host the Browns. Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield has thrown a touchdown in each of his starts as a rookie this year.
Denver needs to get pressure on Mayfield and force him to make mistakes. Bradley Roby and the rest of Denver’s secondary has a huge task ahead of them in covering Jarvis Landry. Landry can easily turn a game around, and had a huge game last week. Managing Landry will be a key to this game for the Broncos.
If Denver’s offense can actually get some offense going in the first half, I think I’ll take Denver in this one.
Broncos 27, Browns 20
Matt Geving
The Broncos will attempt to bounce back and keep their slim playoff hopes alive. Cleveland will look to surge with the continued momentum of Baker Mayfield.
The Broncos defense will get off to a shaky start. Mayfield will take advantage of an injured secondary and get his receivers involved early. Jarvis Landry will have another big game.
The Broncos offense will struggle to find momentum, and it will be 21-3 at halftime.
In the second half, the Broncos will try a heavy dose of Phillip Lindsay to get them back in the game. He will score another touchdown (his 11th this year).
Although Denver will score 10 unanswered points to make it 21-13, Cleveland will respond with a heavy dose of Nick Chubb. He will have 100+ yards, and Cleveland will run away with it.
Browns 35, Broncos 13