WHO HAS THE EDGE?
Quarterback
Teddy Bridgewater has been nursing foot and quadriceps injuries and is coming off a four-turnover game, but Vic Fangio believes he’ll play Thursday. Meanwhile, backup Case Keenum (6-10 as Broncos QB in 2018) is starting over Baker Mayfield (torn left shoulder labrum).edge: Even
Running back
Cleveland’s starting running back tandem is sidelined, as both Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt are out with calf injuries. The Broncos running game has been slow to get going this year, although Javonte Williams is capable of game-changing bursts. Edge: Broncos
Receiver/tight end
Wideouts Courtland Sutton and Tim Patrick, along with tight end Noah Fant, will continue to be Bridgewater’s primary targets with Jerry Jeudy likely unavailable. The Browns’ Jarvis Landry just returned from IR, and Odell Beckham Jr. is dealing with a shoulder injury. Edge: Even
Offensive line
The Broncos’ O-line is coming off a rough performance, having allowed five sacks and 17 quarterback hits in the loss to Las Vegas last week. Cleveland’s banged-up starting tackles, Jack Conklin and Jedrick Wills Jr., have injuries and so does center JC Tretter. Edge: Even
Defensive line
Shelby Harris and Dre’mont Jones need to generate more pass rush, although nose tackle Mike Purcell has been decent in run-stuffing. Cleveland boasts the game’s X-factor, end Myles Garrett, who leads the NFL with eight sacks and nine tackles for loss. Edge: Browns
Linebacker
Denver is without both inside linebackers the rest of the year with Alexander Johnson and Josey Jewell out with pectoral injuries. OLB Von Miller guaranteed a good individual performance. Cleveland rookie and leading tackler Jeremiah Owusu-koramoah is on IR. Edge: Even
Secondary
The Broncos’ highly-touted secondary has been toasted three weeks in a row. Greg Newsome and Denzel Ward lead the Browns’ cornerback corps, but Cleveland only has two picks this year.
Edge: Broncos Special teams
Brandon Mcmanus has yet to miss a kick (12 of 12 on field goals, 12 of 12 on extra points). The Browns’ Chase Mclaughlin has been equally effective (9 of 9, 15 of 15). But beyond Mcmanus, the Broncos special teams are a mistake waiting to happen.