AFC Game Of The Week
Cleveland Browns at Tennessee Titans
Browns: 2020 just continues to get crazier by the minute. Who thought that they would be in second place in the AFC North at this point of the season? The last time they won eight games was back in 2007. The Cleveland Browns are amid a playoff race ladies and gentlemen! I’m a fan of how they play. Currently, in the NFL, you’re either a balanced team or you have an identity. The Browns want to establish the running game and now, they have the best tandem of running backs in Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt who can each control the game. In turn, this creates chances for Baker Mayfield to push the ball up the field. Just imagine this offense with the explosive element that is Odell Beckham Jr. Kevin Stefanski needs consideration for Coach of the Year. They have a big showdown on Sunday in Nashville.
Titans: Two big wins in a row. Also, they were both on the road. It’s tough to win in this league no question. But to do it twice away from home says a lot. Each week, I become more of a fan of Mike Vrabel. He was a gritty linebacker during his playing days, and he’s shown that same mentality as a head coach. This team shows a lot of grit and they play hard. Derrick Henry continues to do it again. After being shut down by the Colts in week ten, he was able to return the favor and run all around and through them in the rematch. Furthermore, I like how the Titans receivers do more than just catch because they set the edges and block well in space. Where’s the love for them in the AFC? They’re a quiet 8-3. They’re back home on Sunday.
Browns X-Factor: Rashard Higgins- He’s stepped it up big time after the unfortunate injury to Odell. Rashard appears to do his best work in the slot and over the middle of the field. He finds ways to get open and create. Outside of Jarvis Landry, he will get his looks.
Titans X-Factor: Kenny Vaccarro– He’s the igniter of this defense. I’ve seen him drop back in coverage to defend receivers and also, I’ve watched him come into the box to stop the run along with making tackles in the open field. In other words, he’s everywhere you need him to be on the field.
Final Thoughts: Two of the better teams in the AFC will battle in this one. I’m expecting a grind it out football game as both teams pride themselves on running the ball. I see Cleveland’s defensive front sitting on the line of scrimmage to limit the Titans’ running game. This is strength on strength because the Titans love to run the ball and Cleveland is great at stopping the run. On the other hand, the Titans will get all they can handle from Cleveland. Which quarterback can make that one play to impact this game?
Prediction: Titans 26 Browns 21
