Week 13 is nearly here and the Cleveland Browns are ready to take on the Los Angeles Rams. A loss last weekend ended a three-game winning streak but at 7-4, the Browns are still in sixth place in the AFC. That means they just need to take care of their business and they'll be back in the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
Of course, it won't be easy. While injuries are an issue for every team in the NFL, Cleveland has had more than their fair share. Not only have they lost Deshaun Watson, Nick Chubb, Jack Conklin, and Jedrick Wills, but now they're going to be without Dorian Thompson-Robinson due to a concussion.
With him out, the Browns will turn to 38-year-old Joe Flacco. The former Baltimore Raven will make his first start with Cleveland and will be their fourth different starter this year. A win with him under center would be a huge testament to the fight this team has and securing that win would be easier if these three bold predictions come true.
3. Elijah Moore, Amari Cooper each have 75 yards receiving
Throughout this week, Joe Flacco has been taking first team reps with Dorian Thompson-Robinson in concussion protocol. This has led to several players, as well as offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, heaping praise on the veteran. Amari Cooper called his passing "poetry in motion" and Elijah Moore also discussed being back with his former teammate.
"it's like poetry in motion"@AmariCooper9 | @JoeFlacco pic.twitter.com/4eNlXOppxX
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) November 30, 2023
Flacco has also been praising the pass-catchers and when he was asked about their recent issues with dropped passes, he quickly turned the spotlight on himself. Not only did he say he's missed a few throws but he quickly added how well everyone else was playing.
That veteran leadership should help the confidence and his ability to deliver an accurate ball will also help both Cooper and Moore. That's why this first bold prediction is that each player gains at least 75 yards, with one of them going over 100.
2. Jim Schwartz gets the best of his former QB
Cleveland has a reason for optimism down the stretch and that reason is their defense. They enter this weekend as a top-10 defense and they have the ability to completely shut opponents down when they're firing on all cylinders. New defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz deserves much of the credit for that success due to the confidence and swagger he brings — as well as his expertise in play-calling.
This weekend, he will again be up to the task as he faces someone he knows very well. Schwartz, who is a long-time assistant, has had one head coaching gig in his career which was with the Detroit Lions from 2009-2013. Throughout that time, Matthew Stafford was his quarterback and the two had some success together, including a playoff berth following the 2011 campaign.
Stafford is now closer to the end of his career but he's coming off a great game in Week 12. Schwartz will make sure the defense sees that film as he reminds them what can happen if they go into this one believing Stafford is washed. Due to his knowledge — as well as the fact that Stafford's not great at escaping pressure — look for Schwartz to get the best of his former quarterback with at least five sacks and two turnovers.
1. Joe Flacco hits a 50 yard touchdown pass
It's going to take some getting used to but the Cleveland Browns will be relying on a player who has been a thorn in their side for years when they take the field this weekend. Joe Flacco, who spent 11 seasons in Baltimore, has faced Cleveland 21 times in his career. His record against them is a staggering 18-3.
a dot 🎯 @JoeFlacco | @AmariCooper9 pic.twitter.com/aC7MyQXuZG
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) December 1, 2023
That includes a win last year when he was with the Jets, the only time he faced them since leaving Baltimore. That defeat was in Week 2 and was a shocking upset since Cleveland thought they had it won. They then saw how quickly Flacco could move the ball down the field as they scored twice in the final minutes.
His ability to throw it deep will be a welcome change for this offense. While DTR was starting to show improvement against the Steelers and Broncos over the past two weeks, he still couldn't threaten defenses with the deep ball. That's why the box was always stacked and why it became tough to move the ball on the ground consistently.
While Flacco does have the ability to push the ball, there will be a trade-off. At nearly 40 years of age, he's not a mobile threat and will be in trouble if the offensive line struggles. Having said that, they've responded well when faced with pressure situations so this prediction is that they give Flacco the time he needs to take a few shots.
In this final prediction, he does exactly that and finds Elijah Moore for a 50-yard touchdown. The two already have a rapport with one another and that will help them connect on a huge play. That will also have an impact on the ground game since the defensive backs will have to start respecting the deep ball once again.