Cleveland Browns 3 matchups to watch in Week 3 vs. Los Angeles Rams

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 16: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns stands in the huddle before a play against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on September 16, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 16: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns stands in the huddle before a play against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on September 16, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 16: Head coach Freddie Kitchens of the Cleveland Browns leaves the field after defeating the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on September 16, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Browns defeated the Jets 23-3. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 16: Head coach Freddie Kitchens of the Cleveland Browns leaves the field after defeating the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on September 16, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Browns defeated the Jets 23-3. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images) /

For the second week in a row, the Cleveland Browns play a primetime game. This time, they face the Los Angeles Rams and these three matchups will be huge in determining the winner

The 2019 NFL Season is still incredibly young, but the Cleveland Browns are about to face their biggest challenge yet on Sunday Night Football. In what will be their second primetime game in a row, Cleveland is set to host the 2018 NFC champion Los Angeles Rams.

Sitting at 1-1 following an upsetting Week 1 loss to the Tennessee Titans at home and a win in East Rutherford against the New York Jets this past Monday, Cleveland looks to move to 2-1. However, it won’t be easy.

Los Angeles boasts a 2-0 record and has a talented team on both sides of the ball. Offensively, they’re led by running back Todd Gurley, quarterback Jared Goff, and a strong receiving trio of Brandin Cooks, Cooper Kupp, and Robert Woods.

As for their defense, star players such as defensive tackle Aaron Donald, linebacker Clay Matthews, and cornerback Marcus Peters are all capable of making life hard on opposing teams.

All that being said, this is going to be quite the challenge for this young Browns squad. That doesn’t mean it will be impossible to come out with a win, but they’ll need to win several matchups to do so — with these three being the most critical.

Off the field matchup: Kitchens vs. McVay

Sean McVay has already established himself as one of the best coaches and play-callers in the game. He’s become the gold standard for young coaches in the league and the Browns are hoping Freddie Kitchens one day also garners as much respect.

Should the Cleveland head coach be able to outduel the Rams shot caller, it would help build his reputation as a threat in the NFL coaching ranks.