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Sunday felt like the beginning of a whole new season, didn't it? It also looked a lot more like what we were expecting from the browns at the beginning of the season too.
With Famous Jameis taking over at QB the offense had some pop to it and the receivers looked rejuvenated. Nick Chubb looked better in just his second game back from an ACL repair and while the defense could have been a tiny bit better, it wasn't watching a pop gun offense while it was on the sideline.
With the Chargers and you know who coming to town this week, things don't get any easier but the Browns team AND fans have to feel better going forward for the remainder of the season.
Chargers (4-3) @ Cleveland (2-6)
Kickoff - 1p CBS
Line - Chargers -1.5 O/u 42.5
Series - Chargers lead 19-9-1
Last meeting - Chargers 30-28 October 9, 2022 in Cleveland, OH
Who Could Be Gone by the Trade Deadline?
With the NFL trade deadline getting ready to strike midnight (or, more accurately 4p EST) next Tuesday November 5, team in contention (or who think they are) are looking to add and teams who aren't, which unfortunately includes the Browns, are looking to cut some contracts and save a few bucks heading into the offseason.
One of the Browns you could see in new colors soon is DE Za'Darius Smith who has performed admirably as Myles Garrett's running mate the last season and change in brown and orange. Just a half sack shy of last season's production, Smith has 5 on the season and while I don't know that anyone is expecting him to reach double digits for the fourth time in his career, that's certainly on the table in the right system. Expect a 4th or 5th Round pick to get the deal done unless teams start a bidding war.
DT Dalvin Tomlinson could also be on that list for a team looking to shore up their run defense and someone who can also push the pocket a bit. Thomlinson would likely garner a return similar to Smith.
While it's unlikely that the Browns start trading "cornerstone" pieces like Garrett or Denzel Ward as they head into a rebuild, one possibility that could happen is sending Nick Chubb to someone in need of running back help. With Chubb's contract expiring this off-season and his performance in the two games he's played since his return, someone could take a chance on him being a missing piece, maybe someone like San Francisco? Wouldn't you feel a just a little better if you had Chubb to back up CMC should he have a set back in his return from Achilles tendonitis?
Bits and Baubles
Browns- Jameis Winston won the AFC Offensive player of the week for his performance against Baltimore, that is the first time since 2019 that a Browns QB has won that award. Nick Chubb has averaged 7.9YPC in three career games against the Chargers.
Chargers- Jim Harbaugh is 1-0 in his coaching career against the Browns, in his playing career he was 1-3 losing the first three times he faced them by an average of 13 points, coincidentally he is coaching the team that he won his only game against Cleveland with. Former Ohio State DE Joey Bosa is one sack from 70 for his career.
Injury Report
Browns
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah - LB - OUT (Neck)
Tony Brown II - CB - OUT-IR (Foot)
Jordan Hicks - LB - OUT (Shoulder)
Denzel Ward - CB - Questionable (Concussion)
Chargers
Brendan Rice - WR - OUT (Shoulder)
Kristian Fulton - CB - OUT (Hamstring)
Stone Smartt - TE - Doubtful (Ankle)
Joey Bosa - LB - Questionable (Hip)
Denzel Perryman - LB - Questionable (Toe)
Fantasy Advice
Don't look for that breakout game from Nick Chubb just yet, the Chargers are just outside the Top 10 in both pass and run defense, unless Jameis Winston can start connecting downfield, then there might be enough cracks to get him to the 80-ish yard mark. Charles Tillman should continue to be a boom-or-bust receiver but he was drafted (3rd R 2023) because the front office believed he could be a difference maker. In fact, look for ALL the Cleveland receivers to benefit from the change under center, all starters (Juedy, Moore, Tillman, Njoku) all enjoyed their best game of the season this past Sunday.
We know that Jim Harbaugh wants to run the ball and he'll do it with J.K. Dobbins (who has TDs in two of three career games against the Browns) and a dash of Gus Edwards, without JOK on Sunday, that just got harder. Ladd McConkey is leading the Chargers in receptions and with a dozen more targets than the next highest player, look for that to continue. Josh Palmer and Quentin Johnston are both averaging over 15 YPC this season but with Greg Newsome and Denzel Ward covering them you should probably leave them on the bench.
Prediction
Chargers 28-23
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