Browns (2-1) at Vikings (1-2)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, US Bank Stadium, Minneapolis
TV: CBS
Tipico Sportsbook line: Browns by 2 ⁄2
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Browns’ keys to victory: Cleveland controlled its Week 3 game against Chicago by getting to Bears QB Justin Fields. It should have the same strategy in Week 4. DE Myles Garrett should be matched up against OT Rashod Hill. Garrett and the rest of the Browns’ front seven could stop the run and get to QB Kirk Cousins in the passing game, making it difficult for the Minnesota offense to get going.
Vikings’ keys to victory: Minnesota is just a few plays away from being 3-0. The Vikings were let down by their defense in the opener. In Week 2, the special teams did them in when kicker Greg Joseph missed what would have been the game-winning field goal. In Week 3, everything went right. Vikings RB Alexander Mattison played well in relief of injured Dalvin Cook. Minnesota’s defense forced QB Russell Wilson to commit errant throws. Cousins led backbreaking drives that put the game out of reach. The Vikings may be in for another close game this week with the Browns. They need to put Cousins in a position to succeed by utilizing him in playaction.
Matchup to watch: Browns DE Jadeveon Clowney vs. Vikings RT Brian O’Neill. Yes, Garrett can beat Hill. But if Garrett is the only player capable of getting to Cousins, the Vikings can help Hill out on the edge and the Minnesota offense can adjust. Clowney beating
O’Neill opposite Garrett would completely disrupt things.
Who wins? Coach Kevin Stefanski dials up some key plays to
help the Browns pull off a win.