Cleveland hits the road bringing a three-game win streak into Denver looking to improve to 8-3 with a win over the Broncos. The Browns will be without one of their best defenders with Denzel Ward being ruled out, but they could get safety Juan Thornhill back, which would be crucial after Rodney McLeod was placed on season-ending IR.
The Denver defense has been really opportunistic, forcing a total of 12 turnovers in their last three games helping them get to 5-5 on the season. They have, however, been awful stopping the run this year and if the Browns can establish the run early, it could go a long way in making Dorian Thompson-Robinson comfortable.
Jim Schwartz and his defense know that they have to continue to be great as the team figures out the passing attack. So far, they have been the best in the NFL and when they need to step up and make a play they seem to always get it done.
Here are this week’s bold predictions as Cleveland tries to nab win number eight overall.
Jerome Ford will get third 100 yard rushing game of the season
Denver has one of the worst run defenses in the league as their defensive line hasn’t put a ton of resistance against opposing rushing attacks. It’s a completely different situation than what Cleveland faced against the Steelers last week and it’s a great bounce-back chance for Jerome Ford and company.
The offensive line has been playing a lot better since the bye week and Ford has grown as a runner since the beginning of the season. Cleveland will look to take advantage of a weak run defense to help their rookie quarterback settle in and take pressure off of him early in this game.
The Browns defense will sack Russell Wilson 5 times
With Denzel Ward out, the Browns will want to get more pressure on Wilson to make up for the loss. They still have Martin Emerson Jr. and Greg Newsome II, who are more than capable, but the pass rush has a favorable matchup. Though the Broncos’ offensive line has only allowed nine sacks they have allowed 103 pressures with right tackle Mike McGlinchey having allowed 35 pressures himself.
Jim Schwartz has to be licking his chops knowing that he has some really favorable matchups with his defensive line on Sunday. Myles Garrett and Za’Darius Smith will be moved all over the place and I believe they will swarm Wilson all day and get home early and often.
Dustin Hopkins will remain perfect from 50+ with two more Sunday
The post-training camp trade for Dustin Hopkins may have been one of Andrew Berry’s best moves this year. He is having a career year with Cleveland and played such a big role in the team’s success so far. He leads the NFL in made kicks and is already closing in on 100 points scored so far. Cleveland could look to control the clock on the ground and lean on some more big kicks from Hopkins.
