Cleveland Browns score predictions: Looking for a Texas-sized win vs. Cowboys in Week 4

Writer: Sam Penix

Game: Cleveland Browns (2-1) and Dallas Cowboys (1-2)

Don’t let the 1-2 record fool you; the Dallas Cowboys have one of the most potent offenses in the NFL. Dak Prescott continues to prove he is one of the best quarterbacks in the league, and Jerry Jones has to be regretting not extending him right about now. The Browns defense hasn’t looked great these past two weeks (if not for the five turnovers, Washington likely hangs 30+), and it would be a surprise if Dallas is unable to score 40. Their offensive line is dealing with some injuries, but it’s still one of the league’s best. Ezekiel Elliott is a top-five running back, and Prescott has an excellent trio of wide receivers to throw to in Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup, and CeeDee Lamb.

Three of Prescott’s five passing touchdowns this year have gone for more than 40 yards, which means the Cleveland secondary is going to be under intense pressure all game long. Andrew Sendejo has to be much better than he’s been, otherwise, things could get ugly quickly. It would be nice to see Ronnie Harrison get more than six snaps in a game, and it’d also be nice to see Sheldrick Redwine on the field at all.

Offensively, this is the week that Kevin Stefanski needs to unleash his passing game. The Browns defense just isn’t going to be able to slow down Dallas enough for Cleveland to control the game by running the ball. If The Browns want to advance to 3-1, they’ll need 2018 Baker Mayfield to make an appearance.

He’s gone 16-23 in each of the past two games, and while it’s great to see that kind of efficiency, he needs to throw the ball at least 40 times on Sunday. Mayfield has to be the reason why Cleveland wins, and if that does indeed end up happening, the prevailing opinion on him will swing in the opposite direction very quickly. If it doesn’t, Cleveland will be 2-2, and will still have plenty of time to get Mayfield going.

Prediction: Dallas 45, Cleveland 38