The Cleveland Browns can only be described as a colossal disappointment. After entering the season as a team with possible Super Bowl aspirations, they never came anywhere near meeting the expectations. Freddy Kitchens and Co. are 2-6, and third in the AFC North. Playoffs are a distant hope, but a hope that still survives. If the Browns win out, a Wild Card spot isn't out of the question. But before thinking about that, Cleveland has to handle business against the Buffalo Bills in week 10.
Bold Prediction #1: The Defense Causes Three Interceptions
For how bad the Browns have been, the defense hasn't been all that terrible. They rank sixth in the NFL against the pass, only allowing 216 air yards a game. This bodes well for Cleveland because the Bills are not a team of passing-game wizards. Second-year quarterback Josh Allen is prone to making head-scratching throws into double or triple coverage. Browns cornerbacks Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams have plus matchups against all of Buffalo's receivers. Ward shouldn't have much trouble with the Bills' John Brown, and Williams will have an advantage against anyone who lines up across from him. The pass rush, led by Myles Garrett, won't have a problem pressuring Allen. Three interceptions is a lofty goal, but don't be surprised if the Browns defense exceeds expectations.
Bold Prediction #2: Jarvis Landry Tops 100 Yards Receiving
Any prediction about Cleveland's passing game is a bit of a gamble, given the extreme inconsistency of quarterback Baker Mayfield. But there's reason to believe that wide receiver Jarvis Landry is a safe bet. Buffalo's top cornerback Tre'Davious White will be forced to follow receiver Odell Beckham Jr. all day long, leaving Landry with an easier matchup. The dynamic Cleveland receiver will face former undrafted rookie Levi Wallace for most of the game, a far softer opponent than White. While Wallace has played well, White is a top-tier cornerback. Mayfield will have to look away from Beckham from most of the game, and go to his second-best target.
Bold Prediction #3: Nick Chubb has Over 100 Yards Rushing
The Bills defense has been one of the toughest in the league, but not against the run. They rank a middling 19th best in the league, allowing 112 rushing yards per game. Meanwhile, the entire Browns offense runs through Nick Chubb. When Chubb is having success, the Cleveland attack seems to start humming. Playing against the Bills, who are a great pass defense, the Browns should be feeding the Oklahoma product the ball. He'll get over 20 carries against a soft Bills rush defense, giving him a great shot at topping 100 yards.
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