Browns head to the Motor-city to take on the Lions, seeking their first win

 

The Cleveland Browns are returning from what was a hectic bye week where the Browns failed to complete a last-minute trade with the Cincinnati Bengals. The Browns would have acquired back-up quarterback AJ McCarron. But it’s time to put that bye week in the past and look forward to this week’s matchup. The Browns will travel to Detroit to take on the 4-4 Lions. The Lions are currently on the outside looking in for the playoff picture. They are currently two games back of the 6-2 Minnesota Vikings.

3 Keys to a Browns victory:

1. Slowing down Matthew Stafford –  Stafford has become one the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Although he hasn’t always played at the level he is fully capable of, Stafford is still having a fine season at the helm. On the season, Stafford currently has a 62.4 completion percentage, 2,212 yards passing, 14 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions.
2. Utilizing the playmakers – For the Browns, they’ve lacked big plays from their playmakers. It’s become clear as day that players like running back Duke Johnson Jr., tight end David Njoku are the Browns best playmakers. When wide receiver Corey Coleman returns from the injured reserve, he will also be included on that list. The Browns know they need to get their playmakers more involved. This may allow rookie quarterback DeShone Kizer to play an overall better game, which would give the Browns a chance to win.
3. Run the Ball – It’s no secret, the Browns have been inconsistent with the run game, whether they don’t run it enough or fail to get production. Either way, the Browns have struggled. It will be important for the Browns to try to get Duke Johnson Jr. and Isaiah Crowell to find a rhythm. Otherwise the Browns will find themselves relying on their quarterback more than they want to.

Injury Report:

Browns – DL Larry Ogunjobi (Groin/QUESTIONABLE)

Lions – DL Ezekiel Ansah (Back/DOUBTFUL), DB Don Carey (Knee/QUESTIONABLE), WR Kenny Golladay (Hamstring/QUESTIONABLE), OL T.J. Lang (illness, OUT), LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin (Ankle, OUT)

Kickoff is at 1 pm on CBS. Detroit Lions are -10.5 favorites at home.