3 Reasons the Cleveland Browns will win their playoff game

2. The run game

You always hear people say, the run game shows up biggest come playoff time. And although many felt Nick Chubb didn’t get enough carries in last week’s win over the Steelers, look for the Browns to use him early and often this week to get into a grove and chew the clock.

With pro-bowl left guard Bitonio out, things do get trickier, but filling in one spot is much easier than having two starters out as they did vs. the Jets. Cam Heyward and T.J. Watt will be rested and eager to get back on the field, but a strategy of runs, screens, and play action can really help the offensive line keep the Steelers off balance.

Although offensive line coach Bill Callahan won’t be at practice much of the week and could miss the game once again, his game planning and strategy will be a crucial part of the Brown’s success. When a team is outnumbered on the field, coaching and strategy becomes much more of a factor.

Let’s not forget that Alex Van Pelt will also be calling plays for the first time. At this point, he has been in the system a full year and you shouldn’t see any drop from Stefanski, but just one more reason you may see a few more runs in the beginning as he gets his feet wet.

While the offense and defense will both have to be on top of their games to get a win, Chubb and Kareem Hunt rushing for over 175 yards combined will be the reason they sneak out of town with the win.