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Cleveland Browns Week 3 score predictions: Looking to knock off the Football Team

By Randy Gurzi

CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 17: Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. #13 of the Cleveland Browns runs for extra yards after a reception during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 17, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Bengals 35-30. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 17: Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. #13 of the Cleveland Browns runs for extra yards after a reception during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 17, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Bengals 35-30. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – SEPTEMBER 20: Quarterback Dwayne Haskins #7 of the Washington Football Team drops back to pass during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on September 20, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Washington Football Team 30-15. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Writer: Matt McFatridge

Game: Washington Football Team (1-1) at Cleveland Browns (1-1)

Summary: The Browns Week 2 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals ended up being one of the best games of the weekend, and it showed exactly why Cleveland hired head coach Kevin Stefanski. Baker Mayfield, Nick Chubb, and the rest of the offense were on rhythm from the first snap of the game, and the defense made just enough stops to help find a 35-30 victory against a scrappy Joe Burrow led Bengals.

Stefanski’s play-calling was excellent, as he constantly had the Browns in great positions by establishing the run and getting Baker Mayfield comfortable by rolling him out and using the play-action early and often. Once that rhythm was established, there was no stopping the freight train that was Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, as they ran for over 200 yards combined to help set the overall tone for the team.

Week 3 pits the Browns against the Washington Football Team, who may not have a name, but certainly have an identity, especially on defense: rush the passer early and often. The defensive line is loaded with former first-round picks, and the most recent one, Chase Young, is off to a great start in his rookie season. The Browns offensive line will need to be sure to hold up their end of the deal by giving the backs holes to run, and giving Baker more than just a few seconds to pass.

I fully expect Cleveland to use a similar gameplan to Week 2, where they establish the run and move Baker out of the pocket on designed roll-out plays in an attempt to make him comfortable against this ferocious defensive front. If they do this, and the defense can shut down the one offensive weapon that makes Washington tick in Terry McLaurin, they should come away with a victory.

I was the only Dawg Pound Daily writer to pick against the Browns last week, but I said as soon as they showed me a sign of life, I would be right on board. Last week’s victory has made me a firm believer in what Andrew Berry is building at the top, and what Kevin Stefanski is doing on the sideline. I expect no problems in this game expect a Ron Rivera led Washington team that will hang around early but ultimately get run out of Cleveland in a rough one.

Prediction: Cleveland 38, Washington 13

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