The Cleveland Browns have spent the week in Los Angeles as they get set to take on the Rams, looking for another pseudo-bye after being cursed with a Week 4 bye week this season. After a disappointing loss, the Browns needed some time away from the building, practicing at UCLA while staying out west after their game against the Denver Broncos.
If they can find a way to scrape out another ugly win, this time with Joe Flacco starting at the quarterback position, the Browns will see their playoff probability skyrocket to well over 80 percent with just five games to go afterward. The game still has to be played on the field, however, and the Browns enter with their backs against the wall and shorthanded against a Rams team that has won two in a row.
Here, we ask Rams Wire’s managing editor Cam DaSilva five burning questions about the Browns’ Week 13 opponent. To find my answers to the same article style over at Rams Wire, you can click here.
We know about the methodical threats that Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua are from the slot, but is there a receiver the Browns should be worried about taking the top off of the defense?
Tutu Atwell is the guy. He caught a 42-yard bomb from Matthew Stafford last week on the opening drive to set up a touchdown and there’s been more of an effort to get him involved in the last two games after the bye. He’s by far their fastest receiver and best big-play weapon on the outside.
Outside of rookie standout Steve Avila, this Rams OL has quite a few question marks. How do you think they answer the bell against Myles Garrett and co.?
Their weakest link is probably Alaric Jackson at left tackle, who will most likely be matched up with Garrett more often than anyone. That’s bad news for the Rams because he’s had his share of struggles in pass protection this season. The Rams don’t keep tight ends in much as blockers either so Jackson could be left on an island often.
Outside of Aaron Donald, is there any other pass rusher Browns fans should know?
Byron Young, the rookie out of Tennessee, is having a fantastic season. He’s been their only reliable edge rusher and he has a ton of juice at the outside linebacker spot. Kobie Turner, a rookie defensive tackle, is also playing really well. He had five pressures and two sacks last week alone against Arizona.
We got vintage Matthew Stafford a week ago. Which version do you think shows up on Sunday?
I think we’ll get the good version of Stafford. He’s another week removed from his thumb injury, which allows him better control of the football and in turn, improved accuracy than we saw in Week 11. He just needs to avoid the costly turnovers that have plagued him year after year.
Who wins?
I’ll go with the Rams in a close, low-scoring game. Joe Flacco is going to be rusty and he doesn’t have the mobility to evade Aaron Donald and Young. If the Rams can slow down Cleveland’s ground game, they should win. Rams 17, Browns 13.
