Cleveland Browns vs Broncos: 3 Matchups to watch in Week 9
By Randy Gurzi
The Cleveland Browns are desperate for a win and will face the Denver Broncos in Week 9. These three matchups could be what ultimately decide the game.
We’re entering the Cleveland Browns eighth game of the season as they travel to the Mile-High City to take on the Denver Broncos. Neither team enters this game with a good record as the 2-5 Browns are trying to score a road win over the 2-6 Broncos.
In this game, the Browns will be facing a bit of an unknown under center as Brandon Allen will make his first start as a professional. A former Arkansas Razorback, Allen was picked in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
He spent just one season with them before heading to the Los Angeles Rams the past two years before signing in Denver this past offseason. This will be his first NFL action as he replaces an injured Joe Flacco while also presumably holding a spot for rookie Drew Lock who is currently on IR but can return later this season.
The matchup between Allen and the Cleveland defense will be huge but it’s not the only one that will be key. Here we look at the three key matchups between the Browns and Broncos which could ultimately decide the game. But first, we look at the team that has been the biggest enemy to Cleveland so far in 2019 — themselves.
Notable omission: Browns vs. Browns
So far this season, the Browns have been their own worst enemy. From questionable play calls to horrible penalties, they’ve spent more time trying to overcome self-inflicted harm than anything else this year. In Week 9, they have to find a way to keep from doing this.
On paper, they’re the better team and as long as they don’t beat themselves — something they have done several times already this year ‚— they should walk away with a much-needed win.