Cleveland Browns score predictions vs. Indianapolis Colts in Week 5

Writer: Elliot Kennel

Game: Indianapolis Colts (3-1) at Cleveland Browns (3-1)

Summary: The Browns face their toughest test since the Ravens in Week One, but the Colts are also facing their toughest test of the season as well.

It’s time for a reality check. It feels great that the Browns are 3-1, and there are no easy games in the NFL, but the Browns did not play the toughest teams in the NFL. The Cincinnati Bengals may actually have been the most impressive win, as the Cowboys have some serious holes on defense and Washington self-destructed against the Browns. The Colts will be a more formidable test.

You could say the same about the Colts, however. They played the Bears in their first game with Nick Foles as the starter and also shut down the so-so Vikings and the disastrous Jets. They got beat by Jacksonville in the season opener, which is operating according to the Sashi Brown rebuilding plan. Let’s hold off on the comparisons to the 1985 Chicago Bears.

As of Tuesday, they were uncertain whether star linebacker Darius Leonard would play due to a groin injury. Bobby Okereke is also uncertain at press time due to a thumb injury. Former Brown T. J. Carrie missed last week with a hamstring injury. However, the Colts have All-Pro corner Xavier Rhodes ready to battle Odell Beckham, Jr. Anyone else against OBJ will be a mismatch.

They have standouts at defensive line in DeForest Buckner and Justin Houston. The Browns will need to rely on fullback Andy Janovich as well as their blocking tight ends to handle the big boys up front.

With Nick Chubb out, Kareem Hunt is his direct replacement. However, we might also see Hunt take some reps in the slot with D’Ernest Johnson getting some carries at running back. Dontrell Hilliard might move into the slot a few times as well. The standout offensive line makes the coaches more intelligent.

Coach Frank Reich has a long history with Philip Rivers as an assistant coach in San Diego. Rivers is the best and most sophisticated pure passer that the Browns have faced so far. He will be deadly if he can get the ball in the air, but he is not mobile and Myles Garrett and Olivier Vernon are going to threaten his very existence.

This game is really too close to call. I don’t think that the Browns will score 30 against Indy, and neither will Indy keep alive their streak of holding opponents’ offenses to the teens. But their stronger defense ultimately gives them a slight edge because the Browns defense has been too erratic. So I’ll say Indianapolis will win because of a missed last-second field goal attempt by the Browns, wide right.
Final Score: Indianapolis 26, Browns 24.