5 reasons banged up Cleveland Browns will buck Broncos in Week 7

3. Whomever plays QB will have time

Last week was a tough one to watch, as Cleveland Browns QB Baker Mayfield took five sacks. One of those hits flared up the injured labrum on his non-throwing shoulder.

Baker came out with a “Rah-Rah” attitude after the game, telling the media he expects to play Thursday night, even though his shoulder doesn’t feel great.

I expect Mayfield to play, but even if it’s backup Case Keenum, Cleveland’s signal caller shouldn’t be under major duress.

The Broncos down linemen are better at stopping the run, evidenced by last week when they allowed just 3.7 yards per rush. With heavy doses of Felton and Johnson expected, that’s problematic.

Fortunately, they didn’t get home on quarterback David Carr. Broncos pass rushers had just 14 pressures, and Von Miller had eight of those. Stop Miller, and you’re going to give your quarterback the time he needs, which could be key as the Browns try to overcome injury at their best offensive skill position.