Week 5 Cleveland Browns (3-1) vs. Indianapolis Colts (3-1)
First Energy Stadium Cleveland, OH
4:25 pm (ET)
Preview:
An AFC matchup between two 3-1 teams. With both teams heading into the game on a three game win streak. This game is expected to be a low scoring game and a battle in the trenches. Will the Browns be able to continue their win streak, or will the Indianapolis Colts humble the Cleveland Browns and their fans?
Why this is an important game for the Cleveland Browns:
The Browns come in with a 3-1 and a three-game win streak. The Browns victories have come against the Cincinnati Bengals, Washington Football Team, and Dallas Cowboys. These teams have a combined record of 3-8-1. Many think the Browns solid start to the season is due to the Browns easy schedule the past three weeks. If the Cleveland Browns can come out Sunday and defeat the Indianapolis Colts, who are on a three game win streak of their own. They can prove to themselves and the rest of the NFL that they are not just hype this year. That the Cleveland Browns are for real and that the Browns need to be taken seriously. Every game on the schedule is important. However, how amazing will it be for Browns fans to say that their Cleveland Browns are 4-1.
Key Injuries:
Cleveland Browns:
Out– Nick Chubb (knee), Larry Ogunjobi (abdomen), Greedy Williams (shoulder)
Questionable- Adrian Clayborn (hip), Karl Joseph (hamstring)
Indianapolis Colts:
Out- Anthony Castonzo (rib), Darius Leonard (groin)
Questionable- Anthony Walker (ankle)
Best Matchup:
Browns’ rushing offense vs. Colts’ rushing defense:
This game between the Browns and Colts will be a classic strength against strength game. Cleveland’s strength is running the ball and running the ball down the defensive’s throat. While Indianapolis’ strength is stopping the run on defense. Cleveland comes into this game with the most rushing yards in the NFL with 818 rushing yards. Indianapolis ranks 4th in the NFL in rushing yards given up. Allowing only 308 yards through their first four games, the Colts are also 6th in the NFL in yards allowed per carry at 3.6 yards. The Browns are missing Nick Chubb, who is expected to miss around 4-6 weeks with a knee injury. Kareem Hunt will be injected into a starting role and will be heavily relied upon in the running game.
What the Browns need to do to win:
Offensively: The Browns first-year head coach Kevin Stefanski has stuck to an offensive game plan of running the ball through four games. Stefanski needs to trust that they are going to win the battle at the line of scrimmage and continue his game play of winning by running the ball. If Cleveland can run the ball effectively, the Colts defense will have to respect the run. This will set up the play-action for the Browns. With Darius Leonard out for the Colts, the Browns are going to have to attack the Colts linebackers in the passing game. Kevin Stefanski is going to have to use the play-action in the redzone to get Baker Mayfield out of the pocket and get the ball to his tight ends. Odell Beckham Jr. played a key role in the week 4 win against the Dallas Cowboys. The Browns did a great job of getting the ball to Beckham Jr. in both the passing and running game. The Browns will need to find a way to get the ball into Odell Beckham Jr.’s hand.
Defensively: On defense, the Browns will need Myles Garrett to cause some chaos in the backfield. If Garrett can get Phillip Rivers early and force the Colts to use a tight end to double him. This will give the Browns defense the advantage. Phillip Rivers loves to get his tight ends involved in the passing game. If the Colts are forced to use a tight end to double Myles Garrett, the advantage will go to the Browns defense. The Browns have 4 interceptions and have recovered 6 fumbles through their first 4 games. They need Myles Garrett and others to get to Phillip Rivers and rattle him. Rivers is known to try and force some passes to his receivers. In order for the Browns to win they are going to have to find a way to Rivers and the Colts to turn the ball over.
Player to watch:
Rookie tight end Harrison Bryant has become more involved in the offense each week. I expect all Browns tight ends to make an impact on the game. I expect the Browns to have two tight ends on the field often. Baker Mayfield loves to throw to his tight ends, especially in the red zone. With Darius Leonard out for the Indianapolis Colts, the Browns should be attacking the Colts linebackers in the passing game. Giving Harrison Bryant a chance for a breakout game.
Prediction:
Cleveland Browns 24- Indianapolis 20
It’s going to be a tight and physical game. I believe the Browns will be able to establish the run and get the play-action going in the red zone. A key 4th quarter turnover by the Colts will play a big role in this game. This will be a classic Phillip Rivers down by a score late in the 4th quarter game. The Browns defense will step up late, and the Browns will come out with a hard-fought victory.
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