Raiders (3-3) at Browns (5-2)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland
TV: Fox
Danny Sheridan’s line:
Browns by 3
Raiders’ keys to victory: Their passing offense needs to click early against a Browns pass defense that relies heavily on sacks and takeaways. QB Derek Carr has been incredibly accurate, and he should find big TE Darren Waller and nifty slot WR Hunter Renfrow over the middle of the field. RB Josh Jacobs can churn out consistent gains on first-down rushes to keep Cleveland DE Myles Garrett from teeing off on Carr. On defense, Las Vegas must contain RB Kareem Hunt and keep QB Baker Mayfield from getting into a groove on playaction and bootlegs. DE Clelin Ferrell and DE Maxx Crosby must be disciplined on their pass rushes.
Browns’ keys to victory: Cleveland’s hit-and-miss passing game needs to exploit a Raiders pass defense that is prone to giving up big plays. That does not get easier with Odell Beckham Jr., out for the season after suffering a knee injury against the Bengals. The offensive line, keyed by rookie LT Jedrick Wills, must clear paths for RB Kareem Hunt. This would be a good game for rookie return man Donovan Peoples-Jones to finally break off a return and flip the field position. He could be a big difference in a game where the offenses are superior to the defenses.
Matchup to watch: Raiders LT Kolton Miller vs. Browns DE Garrett. Miller has played quite well in pass protection, but Garrett is having a Defensive Player of the Year type of season.
Who wins? The Browns’ explosive run game and ability to control the line of scrimmage prevails against a team that’ll put up points
Browns 33-28