Cleveland Browns vs. Raiders Predictions: Baker Mayfield wants win No. 1 as starter

Writer: Matt McFatridge

Cleveland Browns at Oakland Raiders

Summary: Baker Mayfield is exactly who we thought he was. Well, most of us, at least. I’ve been high on him starting day one since the day he was drafted number one overall. You don’t take a quarterback first overall and sit him. It hasn’t worked in recent history, and it didn’t work for Cleveland through two and a half games.

After Tyrod Taylor’s atrocious first half, he was replaced after sustaining a concussion late in the second quarter. That allowed Mayfield to enter and lead his team from down 14 to the Browns first win in over a year. Now, the reins are firmly in Bakers hands, and this is now his team.

Baker Mayfield will lead his team into Oakland against an Oakland Raiders team that has struggled to close out games this season. After leading by double digits in each of their last two games, the Raiders have collapsed and lost. Ask head coach Jon Gruden, and he’d tell you it’s likely due to the lack of a pass rush. Hmm, if only Oakland had someone like Khalil Mack on their team, perhaps that wouldn’t be as much of an issue.

Outside of the lack of pass rush, the offense can’t get into a rhythm. Wide receiver Amari Cooper has become a non factor to this offense, and Derek Carr, while playing well, hasn’t been able to find a way to win when it matters.

In comes Cleveland, high on momentum from winning behind their rookie quarterback and fielding a good, and potentially great, defense. I expect Myles Garrett to fully take advantages of a favorable matchup against rookie left tackle Kolton Miller, who has held up well but has yet to face anyone up to the standard of Garrett.

He and his buddies on the defensive line will have a field day against this rather lackluster offense, and Mayfield has a field day against the nonexistent pass rush.

Final Score: Cleveland Browns 31, Oakland Raiders 17