3 predictions for the Cleveland Browns and Indianapolis Colts in Week 5.
The Cleveland Browns host the Indianapolis Colts in a matchup that’s already being talked about as having playoff implications.
Both teams are being viewed as contenders at the bottom of the AFC playoff tree, which was made more intriguing by the league’s decision to expand the number of teams that can make the postseason from six to seven.
With that in mind, the Browns have to treat this one bigger than the Dallas game, and we all know how that game was built up among the fan base.
Truth-be-told, though, this one carries more importance because it’s an AFC matchup.
The No. 1 determining factor in a tie-breaker is the result of a head-to-head matchup, while No. 2 is win-loss percentage of games played in the conference.
So, yeah, beating the Cowboys is a BIG deal, but beating the Colts will have ramifications that we may end up talking about in December.
With 12,00 fans expected in the stands for the Week 5 contest, here’s three Browns-centric predictions.
1. Three sacks for Garrett
This game is setting up to be a huge one for Cleveland Browns DE Myles Garrett, who has three strip sacks in as many weeks.
His odds to get another one are looking pretty good against Indy, now that starting left tackle Anthony Castonzo has been ruled out (rib).
Starting, Pro-Bowl caliber players have trouble stopping Garrett, never mind backups. Indy will start Le’Raven Clark in Castonzo’s place.
Through four games, Garrett totaled five sacks, setting him on a pace to blow past Reggie Camp’s single-season record of 14, which was set backing 1984.
Garrett has recorded two sacks in his last two games coming against the Redskins, and Cowboys, respectively.
2. Cleveland Browns RB Kareem Hunt will rush for 100 yards and 2 TDs
Nick Chubb is out for what’s presumed six weeks, meaning Kareem Hunt will get the bulk of the carries.
There was some concern about Hunt (groin) during the practice week, but I’m happy to report Hunt was a full participant in practice on Friday.
Cleveland should add doses of D’Ernest Johnson and Dontrell Hilliard, but make no mistake about it: Hunt will see a ton of action and should easily rack up 100 yards, especially considering the Colts will be without All-Pro linebacker Darius Leonard.
If Hunt can hit that second level in the defense, lookout. There may be no slowing him down.
3. Cleveland Browns win again!
FirstEnergy Stadium is allowed to host 12,000 fans, and they should be witnesses to a Browns victory.
The Colts are a good team, but the news that Hunt practiced in full, on top of the Colts’ injuries, tilt this one in favor of Cleveland.
Plus, I haven’t even mentioned Baker Mayfield, who should be expected to play well, as he’s done the past three weeks. With Hunt healthy, the Browns should be able to execute the rushing attack effectively, setting up Mayfield’s new bread and butter: The play-action pass.
Cleveland takes this one, 31-28, moving the Browns to 4-1 on the season. The last time the Browns were 4-1 was way back when in 1994.
Bill Belichick was riding Vinny Testaverde to a 11-5 record and the playoffs.
Little did we know it would be the Browns would earn their last playoff win that same season, coming against the Patriots in the AFC Wild Card round.