Cleveland Browns: 3 Predictions for Baker Mayfield in Divisional Round
By Greg Newland
The Cleveland Browns head to Kansas City for a divisional playoff game on Sunday. While the Chief’s offense has been one of the best in the NFL, the defense has been middle of the pack.
Overall, the defense is much improved from last year, they still aren’t the reason the team is once again the Super Bowl favorite.
The bottom line, the Browns offense is going to have to have a huge day for the Browns to win.
That huge day will include a near-perfect performance from the quarterback, Baker Mayfield. See my three predictions for Mayfield’s breakout game.
3. Touchdown central
The Chiefs know what the Browns want to do, and that is run the football. One thing we have seen this season, head coach Kevin Stefanski is usually a move or two ahead of the other team. Because of that, look for the ball to be in the air early and often on Sunday afternoon.
Instead of predictable runs, look for a lot of play-action and first down passes that will have the Chiefs defense off balance and give more opportunities to Mayfield, especially in the red zone. Teams have begun loading the box heavily when they get close, so look for Stefanski to scheme a few wide-open passes to the tight ends and receivers.
Expect Mayfield to step up his efforts from his three-touchdown performance vs. the Steelers in the wildcard round. Knowing the Chiefs will score, Mayfield will be on top of his game and have 4 touchdowns and the Browns offense will put up 35-40 points.