Eagles (3-5-1) at Browns (6-3)
Sunday, 1 ET, FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland
TV: Fox
Danny Sheridan’s line: Browns by 3 1⁄
2
Eagles’ keys to victory: RBs Miles Sanders and Boston Scott have been effective, yet Philadelphia goes away from the ground attack too easily. Getting the offensive line into rhythm and attacking the Browns’ run defense should help QB Carson Wentz take efficient shots down the field. Wentz must protect the ball against a defense that ranks near the top in takeaways. LBs Alex Singleton and Duke Riley cannot afford to miss tackle opportunities against a powerful Browns’ run game. The Eagles have struggled against zone-blocking run teams and need to tackle better.
Browns’ keys to victory: DE Myles Garrett leads the NFL in forced fumbles and Eagles QB Carson Wentz has shown a propensity to give the ball away. The Browns need another player along the defensive front to ease the burden on Garrett. DT Sheldon Richardson and DE Olivier Vernon are candidates but neither has played consistently. QB Baker Mayfield thrives off play-action, designed rollouts and bootlegs. The Eagles don’t have a great answer for TE Austin Hooper, rookie TE Harrison Bryant or RB Kareem Hunt working out of the backfield in the passing game. If the Eagles bring in coverage help, RB Nick Chubb faces an inconsistent run defense.
Matchup to watch: Eagles WR Travis Fulgham vs. Browns CB Denzel Ward. Fulgham has been a big surprise. Ward remains a Pro Bowl-caliber cover man and has fared well against bigger receivers.
Who wins? The Browns’ balanced offensive attack and depth of playmakers should prevail.
Browns 26-24