Predicting the remainder of the Cleveland Browns schedule after first quarter
By Randy Gurzi
Week 5 vs. Indianapolis Colts
This is going to be a tough one for the Browns as they host the 3-1 Indianapolis Colts, who have been great at keeping their opponents from scoring this season. Of course, the Browns showed in Week 4 that they won’t be intimidated as they held their own against an elite offense by forcing three turnovers and making the stops when it counted.
Look for them to do the same in this one as the offense rises to the occasion and finds a way to move the ball — predominantly on the ground thanks to Kareem Hunt and D’Ernest Johnson. In the end, that leads to them securing a win.
Prediction: Cleveland 28, Indianapolis 20
Week 6 at Pittsburgh Steelers
After moving to 4-1, Cleveland hits the road again as they start a two-game AFC North road trip. Sadly, there will be those who still won’t give them any respect even after the Indy win, marking this as the game they will be judged on.
That’s unfair, but it’s what will happen. And sadly, this also feels like the end of the winning streak, but don’t be discouraged. They’re still in great shape, Pittsburgh is just playing very well right now and they get the nod since it’s at Heinz Field.
Prediction: Pittsburgh 23, Cleveland 16
Week 7 at Cincinnati Bengals
The second game of the road trip brings the Browns to Cincinnati for a rematch with Joe Burrow and the Bengals. Both teams are better at this point than they were when they played in Cleveland in Week 2, but that favors the Browns. It will be another shootout, but the good guys sweep a divisional rival with a narrow win.
Prediction: Cleveland 37, Cincinnati 35
Week 8 vs. Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders have been better than expected but they’re still not where they need to be. For that reason, the Browns should be able to head back home and secure a win before the bye week. Baker Mayfield lost his first start to the Raiders and he enacts some revenge with a two-score win.
Prediction: Cleveland 31, Las Vegas 20
Second-quarter record: 3-1
Overall record: 6-2