The Cleveland Browns (8-3) are headed to the Music City to take on the Tennessee Titans (8-3) in a matchup between two teams looking to make a final push for the playoffs. For Cleveland, a win this weekend would solidify their spot as a Wild Card team for the American Football Conference. For Tennessee, a win this week is crucial if they hope to secure the AFC South Division.
The Browns have found their identity on offense: Run the ball up the gut with the unstoppable duo of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. Chubb’s return has been tremendous as since his Week 10 return, he has surpassed the 100-yard mark in all three games. The return of offensive guard Wyatt Teller was also a noticeable boost these past three games. Teller is dealing with a calf injury, however, and the Browns list him as probable for today’s game.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield will have to be at his best in this one if the Browns want any chance to keep up with a high-powered Titans offense. Luckily, Mayfield has been making some great throws as of late despite lesser competition, and the Titans secondary is currently 28th in the NFL in passing yards allowed.
For Tennessee, the biggest goal is to keep Derrick Henry and A.J. Brown involved. Henry currently leads the NFL in rushing yards with 1,257 and 12 touchdowns. Still, he will be in for a challenge going up against a Cleveland top-10 run defense led by Myles Garrett. This leads to the second goal for Tennessee, slow Garrett down. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill will have to watch his back in the pocket. Garrett currently has 9.5 sacks on the season and is paired with Olivier Vernon, who has five.
Suppose the Titans’ offensive line can slow the rush and keep their primary passing weapon in Brown (40 catches for 638 yards this season) involved, Tennessee may be cruising to victory today.
While Cleveland does have a strong run defense, the secondary will face a tall task. Both cornerback Denzel Ward and safety Ronnie Harrison are out for today’s game. Cleveland can not let Henry or Brown run rampant on them. However, it seems inevitable that either one or both of them will, as Brown is arguably one of the toughest receivers to tackle and Henry is unquestionably the toughest running back to bring down. The absence of two key defenders in the secondary could be the Browns’ downfall against the Titans.
Game Info
Date: December 6, 2020
Start time: 1:00 P.M. EST
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Stadium: Nissan Stadium
TV Info: CBS
Betting Odds Sponsored by Jazz Sportsbook
Point Spread: CLE +4.5 (-110) | TEN -4.5 (-110)
Moneyline: CLE +180 | TEN -225
Over/Under: O 52.5 (-110)｜U 52.5 (-110)
This game isn’t going to be a blowout by any means. However, the Titans have a clear edge and bettors should feel confident that they win this game by at least a touchdown. Cleveland is 1-4 on the road against the spread and 1-2 as the underdog. The Browns haven’t performed well against the spread even against teams allowing more than 25 points per game, sitting at 2-4. Take Tennessee at -4.5 in this one.
The game has the potential to be a shootout as both defenses likely struggle against two potent offenses. While Cleveland has been hitting the under in recent weeks, this week will likely be different as not only will they be allowed to work against a lesser defense but Tennessee will light up the Browns secondary. Take the over.
Prediction
Tennessee and Cleveland will exchange blows throughout this game’s entirety, featuring the running back battle between Chubb and Henry early. However, Tennessee emerges with a 21-14 lead at halftime from a Henry 50-yard rushing touchdown and Tannehill connecting with Brown for a 25-yard score.
Through the second half, Tennessee pulls away, forcing Cleveland to rely more on Mayfield. He throws a pair of touchdown passes in the third quarter. Still, He gives up a costly interception in the fourth, allowing Tennessee to regain the momentum and walk away victorious.
Final Score: Cleveland 28, Tennessee 35
Check us out on our socials:
Twitter: @PTSTNews and @TalkPrimeTime
Facebook Page: Prime Time Sports Talk
Join our Facebook Group: Prime Time Sports Talk
Instagram: @ptsportstalk
Follow Ethan Hewett on Twitter @hewett_ethan
Main Image Credit:
Embed from Getty Images
