In recent memory, these have been two of the worst franchises in NFL history. The Washington Football Team heads to Cleveland to take on the Browns. Both teams haven’t made the playoffs in quite some time. Washington last made the playoffs in 2015, while the Browns haven’t since the 2002 season. Both teams currently have a 1-1 record. Washington is coming off a blowout defeat at the hands of the Arizona Cardinals, while the Browns defeated the Cincinnati Bengals a week ago. Both teams can set the tone of their season with a win.
The 2020 season has been one marked by an impressive defense for Washington. Rookie defensive end Chase Young has 2.5 sacks, leading the team. Washington has 11 sacks through two games, most in the league. While the front four has been the talk of the defense, the secondary has also played well so far this season. The team has three interceptions in two games, one each by Landon Collins, Jimmy Moreland, and Fabian Moreau. However, the team had just four passes defended in two games. That is something Washington must improve on if they want to avoid having their passing defense be their Achilles heel.
Offensively, Washington has struggled. Dwayne Haskins has been sacked seven times in two games and has a sack rate of 9.9 percent. He is completing just 56.3 percent of his passes for barely 200 yards a game. His quarterback rating is 26.7 and leaves a lot to be desired. However, Haskins’ struggles aren’t entirely his fault. After trading away Trent Williams in the offseason, the left side of the offensive line has been a disaster for Washington. Meanwhile, the running game is averaging 3.3 yards per carry and 98.5 yards per game this season. Other than Terry McLaurin, Washington lacks consistent playmakers. Logan Thomas had a nice Week 1 but had some ugly drops last week. Meanwhile, Steven Sims and Dontrelle Inman have combined to catch 55.6 percent of their targets.
Meanwhile, the Browns have been decimated by injuries on the defensive side of the ball. Linebacker Mack Wilson has yet to play this season, while the secondary has been a nightmare situation for the Browns. Denzel Ward has played all but one snap so far this season because the Browns are so thin at cornerback. Greedy Williams and Kevin Johnson have yet to play a game this season because of injuries. The good news is both returned to practice this week and should be on track to play Sunday.
After an ugly Week 1 performance on offense, the Browns turned things around against the Bengals. Baker Mayfield had a great game, going 16-23 for 219 yards and two touchdowns. In Week 1, the duo of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt had 132 rushing yards against the Baltimore Ravens on 23 attempts. However, in Week 2, they had 210 rushing yards on 32 attempts. For the Browns to move the ball on offense, they need to be able to run the ball and let Mayfield run play action off of it.
Game Info
Date: September 27, 2020
Start Time: 1:00 P.M. est
Location: Cleveland, OH
Stadium: FirstEnergy Stadium
TV Info: Fox
Betting Odds Sponsored by Jazz Sportsbook
Point Spread: WAS +7 (-110) | CLE -7 (-110)
Moneyline: WAS +265 | CLE -340
Over/Under: O 44 (-110) | U 44 (-110)
It appears the shine from Washington’s Week 1 win over the Philadelphia Eagles has worn off. After losing by 15 last week, Washington is a touchdown underdog against the Browns. However, neither team has played up to their competition. The Browns were blown out by the Ravens in Week 1, while Washington was blown out last week by the Cardinals. With the spread being seven points, it’s something betters should stay away.
Instead, betters should take the under in this game. The Browns are averaging 20.5 points per game so far this season while Washington is averaging 21. Not only have the teams struggled to consistently score points this season, but the Browns are also getting players back on defense while Washington just lost Pro Bowl guard Brandon Scherff for the next few weeks. Expect a low scoring ugly game.
Prediction
Both teams struggle to find their footing early in the game. However, the Browns will turn to their running game to move the ball and slow down the Washington pass rush. Down at halftime, Washington makes some adjustments and start moving the ball in the second half. However, it is too little too late as the Browns control the clock and walk away with a six-point victory.
Final Score: Washington 17, Cleveland 23
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