CLEVELAND, OHIO
1:00 P.M. KICK-OFF
BET MGM SPREAD: BROWNS BY 2.5
TELEVISION
ANNOUNCERS
IAN EAGLE
CHARLES DAVIS
STADIUM AND WEATHER INFO
UNIFORM COMBINATION
BROWNS POWER RANKINGS
USA TODAY SPORTS WEEKLY: 8th (Previous Rank: 13th)
Now look who’s in possession of the league’s top-ranked defense. And get this: Cleveland’s D has allowed one touchdown this season … while the Browns offense has surrendered two.
NFL: 9th (Previous Rank: 13th)
After a pretty tepid start offensively, including a truly bizarre backward pass by Deshaun Watson, the offense really turned in a solid day of work in the win over the Titans, with Watson settling down and having what was arguably his best game as a Brown. Once again, though, the defense established the tone and really never let up. Tennessee crossed midfield on all three second-quarter possessions but ended up with only three points. The Titans couldn't escape their own end of the field in the second half, netting just 26 yards and two first downs on 19 plays. The Browns clamped down (without CB Greg Newsome). Cleveland's stars shined, and this team is back in business.
ESPN: 9th (Previous Rank: 16th)
The Browns are coming off a dominant win over the Tennessee Titans, and QB Deshaun Watson delivered his best performance in a Browns uniform, completing 82% of his passes -- the second-best mark of his career. Before Sunday, Watson ranked last in the NFL in off-target rate (27%). Did Watson turn a corner and rediscover his accuracy? Or did he and Cleveland just manhandle a porous Tennessee pass defense? These next two games -- against the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers -- should reveal whether Watson and the Browns' passing attack can actually carry Cleveland to the playoffs minus All-Pro running back Nick Chubb.
BLEACHER REPORT: 9th (Previous Rank: 16th)
When Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb went down with a season-ending knee injury, it became painfully clear that if the Browns were going to salvage their season that others were going to have to step up a major way.
For one week at least, Cleveland did.
On a day where the Browns were facing the NFL's No. 1 run defense from a season ago, Cleveland's ground game was grounded—new lead back Jerome Ford managed just 18 yards on 10 carries, and the Browns rushed for just 2.5 yards per carry as a team.
But Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson had easily his best game since joining the Browns, completing 27 of 33 passes for 289 yards and two scores without an interception. Wide receiver Amari Cooper had a big day, hauling in seven passes for 116 yards and a touchdown. And Myles Garrett's 3.5 sack explosion keyed a Browns defense that allowed under 100 yards of offense and just six first downs.
"One victory over a Titans team with a truly terrible offense isn't going to save the Browns' season," Davenport said. "But Watson finally looked like the quarterback the Browns though they were getting for $230 million Sunday and Cleveland's defense continued to play well. I still have serious doubts about Cleveland's viability as a contender. But when the rival Ravens come to town in Week 4, it will be with first place in the AFC North on the line."
BROWNS POSITION FANTASY RANKINGS
Quarterback: DeShaun Watson-7th
Running Backs: Jerome Ford-21st; Kareem Hunt-37th
Wide Receivers: Amari Cooper-13th; Elijah Moore-43rd
Tight Ends: David Njoku-18th
Kickers: Dustin Hopkins-19th
Defenses: Browns-5th
RAVENS POSITION FANTASY RANKINGS
Quarterback: Lamar Jackson-10th
Running Backs: Gus Edwards-33rd; Melvin Gordon III-40th
Wide Receivers: Zay Flowers-26th
Tight Ends: Mark Andrews-2nd
Kickers: Justin Tucker-1st
Defenses: Ravens-7th
Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz vs. Ravens QB Lamar Jackson
The Cleveland defense under Schwartz has been perhaps the best in the league through three weeks. However, Schwartz and his unit have not faced a quarterback who can do what Jackson can do. How will the Cleveland defense adjust to his rare skill set? Can it get after him as they have the first three quarterbacks faced?
Matchup to watch according to Browns Backers of North Jersey:
Browns Linebackers/Safeties vs. Ravens TE Mark Andrews
The Browns revamped defense has not faced a TE as good as Mark Andrews. Andrews has played well in the past against the Browns. The defense needs to cut off Lamar Jackson's go-to receiver.
Who will win and why
according to USA Today Sports Weekly:
The injuries in the Baltimore secondary will catch up to it as Watson and his receivers continue to find their stride
BROWNS-28 RAVENS-21
Who will win and why according to Browns Backers of North Jersey:
The Browns are home and the defense is playing very well. DC Jim Shchwartz will dial it up against Lamar Jackson The Browns offense has improved every week and keep it going this week.
BROWNS-27 RAVENS-19
Who will win and why according to South Jersey Browns Backers President Stephen Guysick
Ford and Hunt going to have a breakout game on Stefanski's run heavy week.
BROWNS-24 RAVENS-20
2023 SEASON STANDINGS:
BROWNS BACKERS OF NORTH JERSEY: 2-1
BROWNS BACKERS PRESIDENTS: 2-1
USA TODAY SPORTS WEEKLY: 1-2
WEEK 4
RAFFLE PRIZES