Predictions for the Cleveland Browns Monday night game against San Francisco
By Randy Gurzi
Writer: John Hillberry
Game: Cleveland Browns (2-2) at San Francisco 49ers (3-0)
Summary: What better way to follow up last Sunday’s 40-25 victory over the Baltimore Ravens than with a trip to the Bay, where the Cleveland Browns will meet with the undefeated San Francisco 49ers in a Monday Night Duel.
The 49ers are the only unbeaten team left in the NFC, and one of only three in the entire NFL left (New England and Kansas City). They are also the only team in the NFL to yet give up a rushing touchdown this season.
One key player to watch for in the Browns offense is running back Nick Chubb. After posting 165 yards on the ground with three touchdowns against the Ravens, the Browns will be looking to get Chubb going early. Two other players to keep an eye on Monday night are wide receivers Antonio Callaway and Rashard Higgins. Higgins has been out since Week 1 with a knee injury, and Callaway is done serving his four-game suspension. With the Browns receiving core full and healthy, especially now with the news that Jarvis Landry is out of the league’s concussion protocol, Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield will have all of his weapons on Monday night.
One major area of focus for the defense will be putting a stop to the 49ers rushing attack, and containing talented running backs Matt Breida and Raheem Mostert. The 49ers have averaged 175 yards on the ground so far this season, which is second-best in the entire NFL.
With how the Browns performed against the Ravens, it’s hard not to go with them to spoil the 49ers perfect record and hand them their first loss of the season. Nick Chubb is also going to be the first running back to score a touchdown on the 49ers defense this season too. It’s all going to come down to whether the Browns can stop the 49ers run game.
Prediction: Cleveland 28, San Francisco 24