Cleveland Browns vs Chargers Predictions: Looking to stay undefeated at home
By Randy Gurzi
Writer: Casey Kinnamon
The Cleveland Browns take on the Los Angeles (don’t call us San Diego) Chargers this Sunday at First Energy Stadium. The Chargers come into the game on a two-game winning streak. The Browns are looking to win their second straight game, a feat they haven’t pulled off since week 9 of the 2014 season.
Cleveland’s defense will have their hands full with this Chargers offense. Philip Rivers and company come in averaging 27 points a game and haven’t scored under 23 in any of their contests.
Rivers has looked sharp completing 73% of his passes and has 13 touchdowns to only 2 interceptions. Gregg Williams will have to try and disguise his coverages to attempt and level the playing field with the wily 15th-year quarterback.
The Chargers rely heavily on the running backs Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler in the running and passing game. The key to slowing the Chargers offense will be stopping their off-tackle running game, an area the Browns have struggled in. Expect a busy day for Joe Schobert and Christian Kirksey.
Offensively the Browns need to get off to a fast start. Something we haven’t seen yet in 2018. Look for Todd Haley to go up-tempo to get Baker Mayfield going early. Getting Mayfield into a rhythm is pivotal.
Carlos Hyde will still receive the lion’s share of carries, and red zone opportunities. Nick Chubb should spell Hyde for a series or two, increasing his work-load. Duke Johnson will take more of a role in the passing game this week with the injury to Rashard Higgins.
Both Desmond Harrison and Chris Hubbard will be tested my Melvin Ingram. But, on the bright side, we will not have to deal with Joey Bosa.
Special teams have been the weak link in the Browns chain. Until proven otherwise, it’s hard to imagine that changing.
Ravens not impressed with Mayfield’s performance. dark. Next
In the end, Baker Mayfield will make enough plays. The defense will be stingy enough in the red zone. The kicker won’t miss more than one kick. And the Browns will get their second straight win and remain undefeated at First Energy Stadium.
HOT TAKE ALERT!
The Cleveland Browns will end this game in regulation by taking a knee in victory formation.
Final Score: Cleveland 24 Los Angeles 20