Cleveland Browns: 5 bold predictions against Tampa Bay in Week 12
By John Suchan
Making bold predictions for this Cleveland Browns team can be tricky, but we’ll try nonetheless as they face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 12
It’s been a season to forget for the Cleveland Browns so far, but fans still are clinging to hope as they await the return of Deshaun Watson in Week 13. In the meantime, they’ll have to get through watch as their team takes on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady in Week 12.
While Cleveland, who was been embarrassed in the last two games by the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills, stands at 3-7 on the season, the Bucs are surging as of late and improved to 5-5 after two straight wins and now a bye week.
Tampa Bay opened up as a 3.5-point favorite in a game being played in Cleveland. You know your season is going south when your NFL team isn’t favored at home. But that’s where the Browns are these days as they struggle to finish off this ugly campaign.
5 Bold predictions for Browns versus Bucs
5. Nick Chubb will rumble for 100 yards and two touchdowns
It was a bad game for Nick Chubb last Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. He ran for a measly 19 yards on 14 carries. It was one of his worst games as a pro and it surprised many because he’s been so reliable this season and for that matter for his whole career.
Maybe he’s just running into too many opponents that are geared up with eight and nine-man fronts to take away his chance at gaining yards. He had several runs last week that went for losses which is very unusual for him.
Cleveland’s offensive line has had some issues this season as well and is another reason why the Browns have now been outrun in six of the last seven games.
Look for Chubb to rebound in this game. Tampa Bay has been alright against the run and gives up about 4.5 yards per carry. Chubb gains about 5.3 YPC this season. While he’s been locked up these last two weeks, this game will be played at home. The weather conditions also call for a rainy cold forecast and Chubb will likely get his share of carries.