Cleveland Browns: 5 Bold predictions vs. Saints in Week 16

Cleveland Browns bold prediction No. 3: Deshaun Watson throws two TDs

After sitting out for 700 days, it was natural to see Deshaun Watson struggle in his debut for the Browns in Week 13. They still secured a win against the Houston Texans 27-14 but it was clear he had more rust to shake off.

In Week 14, he was better as his quarterback rating improved from 53.4 to 79.1. He also saw his completion percentage rise from 54.6 to 61.9 and had his first touchdown. However, Cleveland lost 23-10 to Cincinnati in that one.

Week 15 was better again as Watson’s rating improved to 91.5 and he completed 64.3 percent of his throws. Even better, he had a touchdown and for the first time this season, no interceptions. That one touchdown was enough to put Cleveland up by two scores and led to a 13-3 win over Baltimore.

Now in his home finale, Watson is going to again have to deal with some difficult weather but the defense he’s facing won’t be too threatening.

Overall, the Saints have given up just 2,731 yards through the air which is seventh best in the NFL but they have only three interceptions on the season — which is the worst in the league. Plus, their pass defense might be inflated due to the fact they’ve played the Atlanta Falcons twice, the Carolina Panthers, Pittsburgh Steelers, and the San Francisco 49ers — all teams that haven’t been great through the air and prefer to win on the ground.

Couple that with their inability to take the ball away and Watson will be willing to take a few chances in this one, and in the end, this prediction is that he has two touchdown passes for the first time in the brown and orange.