Cleveland Browns: 5 Players who will be key versus San Fransisco

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - AUGUST 17: Head coach Freddie Kitchens of the Cleveland Browns watches action prior to a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - AUGUST 17: Head coach Freddie Kitchens of the Cleveland Browns watches action prior to a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns huddles with his team during the second quarter of the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns huddles with his team during the second quarter of the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

The Cleveland Browns enter their matchup with the San Francisco 49ers coming off of a win. The Browns have a chance to pull away from the pack potentially but will need their key players to make a difference on Monday night.

The Cleveland Browns were able to silence the critics for at least one week after their dominant 40-25 win against their division rival the Baltimore Ravens. If they are going to silence them further, it will require another complete performance.

The offense gained over 500 yards; the defense held a high-powered offense averaging 37 points to score just 25. The defense is still missing a chunk of their starting secondary, but there is a chance they could return this week. Their replacements have played lights out in the absence of the starters but being back a full strength would be thoroughly welcomed.

The offense was more creative Sunday and now look to stay in rhythm. The Browns offense is anticipating reinforcements; they are hopeful to have Rashard Higgins back this week as he’s battled a knee injury since Week 1. With Landry in concussion protocol, Higgins’ return means that much more for Baker Mayfield.

The return of speedster Antonio Callaway coming off of a four-game suspension adds another toy for Freddie Kitchens to implement into the fold. If in shape, Callaway could add a needed boost for Mayfield and the wide-receiving core.

It’s hard to say just how good the 49ers are; their wins have come against teams with a combined 3-9 record. The 49ers have done what they are supposed to do, and that is win football games, but just how good are they?

Both teams head into this game feeling like it is a very winnable contest. Here are five players who will be key this Monday night versus San Francisco.