Cleveland Browns score predictions vs. Indianapolis Colts in Week 5
By Randy Gurzi
Writer: Sam Penix
Game: Indianapolis Colts at Cleveland Browns
Summary: An unstoppable force meets an immovable object this week as the NFL’s best running game faces off against the top defense. The Browns are on a three-game winning streak, as are the Colts, and both teams have been winning in opposite ways. The Browns simply out-run their opponent, while the Colts don’t allow theirs to score any points. The Browns won’t be scoring 49 points this week, but it’s a great opportunity to prove their recent offensive outburst is not simply a result of them playing three subpar defenses.
The biggest obstacle is defensive tackle DeForrest Buckner, who was good with the 49ers, and has been elite thus far in 2020. He’s incredibly disruptive and can completely wreck a game. Baker Mayfield struggles under pressure, especially when it’s coming up the middle, so Joel Bitonio, J.C. Tretter, and Wyatt Teller have their work cut out for them.
Injuries are going to be a huge turning point in this game. Neither Larry Ogunjobi nor Sheldon Richardson practiced on Wednesday, and neither did Indy’s Darius Leonard, Bobby Okereke, and Anthony Castonzo. If those two linebackers are out, exploiting the mismatches that will occur when David Njoku and Austin Hooper are being covered by backups will be crucial. If Castonzo is out, Le’Raven Clark would seem to be next in line, so Myles Garrett should pretty much be aligned right the entire game.
This is going to be a litmus test for the Browns, and if they do end up victorious, they’ll be 4-1 heading into a divisional showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the hype surrounding that game will be unbelievable.
Prediction: Cleveland 31, Indianapolis 27