Cleveland Browns vs. Panthers: Week 14 predictions

CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 20: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns runs off the field after a 21-17 win over the New York Jets at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 20, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 20: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns runs off the field after a 21-17 win over the New York Jets at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 20, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OH – NOVEMBER 25: Antonio Callaway #11 of the Cleveland Browns is congratulated by Rashard Higgins #81 and Baker Mayfield #6 after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – NOVEMBER 25: Antonio Callaway #11 of the Cleveland Browns is congratulated by Rashard Higgins #81 and Baker Mayfield #6 after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images) /

Writer: Randy Gurzi

Game: Carolina Panthers (6-6) at Cleveland Browns (4-7-1)

Summary: The Cleveland Browns were knocked down a peg this past weekend as the Houston Texans were able to end the two-game winning streak they were on. It was a tale of two halves as the Browns looked lost in the first two quarters before finding their footing in the second half. This week, they have another tough test as they face the Carolina Panthers.

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While their opponent last week was coming in on an eight-game winning streak, Carolina is on another roll altogether. After a 6-2 start, they’ve dropped four in a row and seem to be in a free fall. That doesn’t mean they’re an easy target. In their four-game streak, they had one game they lost due to a poorly timed two-point conversion and they were outplayed by a divisional opponent last week thanks in large part to Cam Newton throwing four picks.

He likely will be much better with ball security this week — and will be a nightmare for the Browns to try and slow down. Newton will make his plays, as will running back Christian McCaffrey. The question comes down to whether or not the Browns can match them.

Expect a better game from Baker Mayfield and Nick Chubb. Both will do their part and keep it close. I really want to go Cleveland here, but the Panthers just seem due for a win and the way the defense had issues with Deshaun Watson gives me some concern with Newton.

Final Score: Carolina 26, Cleveland 23