The red-hot Seattle Seahawks travel to Cleveland to face their third AFC North opponent of the season, the struggling Browns.
The Seahawks (4-1) are coming off a commanding win over the Los Angeles Rams that awarded them sole possession of second place in the NFC West. Meanwhile, the Browns are coming off a crushing loss against a different NFC West squad, the undefeated San Francisco 49ers. Baker Mayfield struggled in Weeks 1 and 3, but Weeks 2 and 4 brought optimism. There seemed to be momentum for Cleveland entering their matchup against the Niners, but they were instead silenced by Nick Bosa, Matt Breida, and an all-around strong San Francisco team.
The Seahawks lead this all-time series, 12-6. The Seahawks won the teams’ last contest (30-13 in 2015), but the Browns won the two prior to that, including the last matchup between the two teams in Cleveland (6-3 in 2011). Seattle head coach Pete Carroll is 2-2 against the Browns, while Cleveland rookie head coach Freddie Kitchens will be making his first appearance against the Seahawks.
Russell Wilson wins the quarterback matchup against Baker Mayfield. Wilson is 114-for-156 with 12 scores and no interceptions, while Mayfield has completed 90 of 161 passes for 1,247 yards, four touchdowns, and a whopping eight completions to opponents.
Seattle also has the edge in the WR1 contest, as Tyler Lockett is off to a better start than Odell Beckham, Jr. Lockett has hauled in 30 passes for 379 yards and three scores, including a beautiful reception in the very corner of the end zone last week despite being double-covered. Beckham, meanwhile, has 23 catches for 335 yards and one score.
Cleveland does have an advantage at running back, though. Nick Chubb’s 94 carries for 485 yards and four scores edges out Carson’s 94 rushes for 380 yards and one trip to the end zone. It’s worth noting that Carson is certainly losing touches to Rashaad Penny when he’s healthy, but even without Penny in the picture, Chubb’s skill is still superior.
On the defensive side of the football, monster Myles Garrett leads the Browns with seven sacks; nobody on the Seahawks has more than two sacks. Additionally, nobody on the Browns nor Seahawks have hauled in multiple interceptions this season.
Game Info
Date: Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019
Start time: 1:00 p.m. EST
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Stadium: FirstEnergy Stadium
TV Info: FOX
Betting Odds
Point Spread: SEA -1.5 (-115)
Moneyline: CLE +105, SEA -128
Over/Under: 47.5 (-128)
The Seahawks should easily be able to cover, as they usually do on the road. However, take the under for this game, as the teams aren’t expected to combine for at least 48 points (more than six touchdowns).
Prediction
Myles Garrett and the defensive line’s play will be crucial this week, as they will need to prioritize shutting down Wilson, a mobile quarterback. Garrett, who averages 1.2 sacks per game, should be able to be an annoying force, causing Wilson to run more than usual, but it would be a surprise to see him record multiple sacks.
On the other side of the field, the Seahawks’ offense ranks in the top third, so they should have no trouble shutting down Baker Mayfield, who has struggled mightily in several contests this season.
Final Score: Seattle Seahawks 27, Cleveland Browns 13
