5 reasons Cleveland Browns will hand San Francisco 49ers first loss in Week 5

2. No elite WR in San Fran

Jerry Rice isn’t running through that tunnel on Monday night.

The 49ers lack a true No. 1 receiver, as their fan base is wondering whether or not the team can pry away A.J. Green from the 49ers. That said, it looks like Kyle Shanahan doesn’t sweat marching forward with the likes of Deebo Samuel, Marquise Goodwin and Dante Pettis.

Even without Greedy Williams and Denzel Ward, the Browns’ secondary has shown it self to be a position group of strength thanks to its reserves.

Safety Jermaine Whitehead was Cleveland’s MVP on defense, while reserve corner Terrance Mitchell was the team’s second highest graded player, according to Pro Football Focus. The Browns also welcomed back Damarious Randall (concussion) from injury and the former Packer rewarded defensive coordinator Steve Wilks with a sack of Lamar Jackson.

Mitchell and fellow corner T.J. Carrie could probably start for half of the teams in the NFL.

Against Jimmy Garoppolo, the secondary will find an accurate quarterback, but one whose also thrown four interceptions. A couple of those picks were a result of balls popping off his receivers hands, which is another ball that bounces in the Browns’ favor. San Fran has nowhere near the talent at receiver position.

It remains unclear if Williams and Ward will be healthy for this contest, but even if they need another week with sore hamstrings, the secondary should be in good hands.