San Francisco 49ers Vs Cleveland Browns: Game Preview

Dec 6, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Shaun Draughn (24) celebrates scoring a touchdown during the first half against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

What Is Each Team’s Advantage?

49ers Run Game

The 49ers run game has not been one to write home about (only averaging 99.1 yards per game), especially after running back Carlos Hyde’s injury in Week 7. However, San Francisco’s running back will still be better than the Browns atrocious run game on Sunday.

After being cut by the Browns, running back Shaun Draughn will be getting the majority of the snaps while combining with Gabbert to create the 49ers running game. Over the past four games the 49ers have rushed for 95 yards per game and like I said earlier that itself is not much to brag about. On the other hand, going up against the worst run defense in the league will surely inflate those numbers.

I would imagine the 49ers will attack the Browns run defense often on Sunday rather than rely upon Gabbert’s arm too much. If that is the case I would expect them to get more than 100 rushing yards on the Browns defense without a doubt.

Expect Draughn and Gabbert to have big days on the ground Sunday.

Browns Passing Game

In the battle of the backup QBs I’d have to take Manziel over Gabbert.

Gabbert and Manziel have very similar stats this season. Gabbert has thrown 80/127  for 963 yards, with 5 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Manziel has thrown 76/128 attempts for 933 yards with 5 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.

While Gabbert has not been too bad for the 49ers in the absence of Kaepernick and is nearly identical to Manziel statistically, Gabbert will be facing the better of the two pass defenses. Since Gabbert is going up against the Browns pass defense, that will show a small, yet significant difference between the two passing offenses.  With that being the case, the difference will favor Manziel and the Browns.

San Francisco however has given up 89 passing yards than the Browns have this season. While I’m not expecting a huge advantage either way, Manziel and the Browns should have a better passing game than Gabbert’s 49ers.

Next: Key Matchup