PJ Walker is back under center for the Browns this week in Seattle. In two games, he has yet to throw a touchdown with three interceptions, but most importantly, Walker has two victories with zero losses. He will be expected to manage the game without turning over the field. Walker is not seen as a player to win the game, but he can not lose the game.
A key to the game is whether the Browns open up running lanes and protect Walker, as the Seahawks have one of the best defensive lines in the league. One of the injuries for this week is LT Jedrick Wills Jr., who is questionable for Sunday’s game. If he does not go, it will be James Hudson at left tackle.
The good news is the Seahawks have one weak area, and it is the offensive line. The Browns should take advantage of Myles Garrett and others, putting pressure on Geno Smith and the Seattle running game.
Most experts are doubtful about the Browns winning this game because of the history of the Browns losing in Seattle, on top of not having Deshaun Watson in the game. Jerome Ford is now questionable, which is good news if they can get him on Sunday.
This defense, with Garrett leading the way, lifted the club along with kicker Dustin Hopkins last week. Can they do it again in the land of Starbucks? YES!
Score Prediction: 17-16 Browns, give the 3.5 points.
The Cleveland Browns are hitting the road this week for a West Coast showdown against the Seattle Seahawks in an inter-conference clash. The Browns, currently holding a 4-2 record, secured a narrow one-point victory in their previous outing against Indianapolis. The Seahawks, who also stand at 4-2, are riding the momentum of a recent home win over the Arizona Cardinals. The opening kick is scheduled for 4:05 PM EST.
Surviving a Scare: The Cleveland Browns had built a 3-2 record leading up to their Sunday game in Indianapolis, relying on a tenacious defense that holds the top spot in the NFL, a robust ground-and-pound running game, and an ability to grind out low-scoring tightly contested matches. However, their Sunday showdown with the Colts turned the tables. Despite their league-leading defense surrendering a season-high 38 points and a less consistent rushing attack, the Browns managed to pull off a thrilling 39-38 victory, improving their record to 4-2.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski remarked, “We needed moxie, we needed grit, and we needed toughness at the end. We got all of that. We poured everything we had into this game, and we needed every bit of it.”
During Sunday’s game, the Browns had to adapt on the fly as starting quarterback DeShaun Watson reinjured his shoulder and had to exit the game. Backup QB P.J. Walker stepped in, completing 15-of-32 passes for 178 yards with one interception. Running backs Jerome Ford and Kareem Hunt combined for 21 carries and 105 rushing yards, with Ford contributing one touchdown and Hunt diving in for two, including the game-winner with less than 30 seconds remaining.
The Browns’ top-ranked defense faced challenges throughout the day, allowing 456 total yards and 20 first downs. Although Cleveland’s defense managed to force four turnovers, including three fumbles and an interception, the team’s performance was not without difficulties. Defensive end Myles Garrett played a pivotal role, blocking a field goal, recording nine tackles, and securing two sacks, keeping him in the running for NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
The Cleveland Browns enter this matchup with the 20th-ranked total offense in the NFL. They heavily rely on their ground game, boasting the league’s second-ranked rushing offense. Through the air, the Browns sit at 23rd and are unlikely to see improvements with Watson sidelined. They are also 23rd in red zone touchdown conversions and 20th in third-down conversions. On the defensive side, the Browns shine, leading in total defense this season, ranking seventh against the run, and holding the top spot against the pass. Surprisingly, they are 28th in red zone defense but are first in preventing third-down conversions. Additionally, they are the league leaders in sacks.
The Browns have faced challenges with intangibles this season, ranking 29th in turnover differential and 28th in penalties per game in the league.
Injury Report: RB Kareem Hunt (thigh), TE David Njoku (knee), RB Jerome Ford (ankle), DE Ogbo Okronkwo (ribs), LB Anthony Walker (shoulder), WR Marquise Goodwin (back), LB Sione Takitaki (hamstring) are questionable. OT Jedrick Wills Jr. (foot/ankle) is doubtful. QB Deshaun Watson (right shoulder) is out.
Last Sunday, the Seattle Seahawks notched a 20-10 victory at home against the Cardinals, improving their record to 4-2 for the season. Following this win, the Seahawks find themselves only half a game behind the 49ers, who currently hold the top spot in the NFC West Division. In the first half, the Seahawks held a 14-10 lead, but it was their defense that truly shone in the second half, as they blanked the Cardinals for the remaining 30 minutes of the game. This matchup also highlighted the Seahawks’ depth in the wide receiver position, with Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Jake Bobo delivering strong performances in the absence of the injured All-Pro D.K. Metcalf.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith commented, “It was significant not only for Jaxon and Bobo but I believe it was vital for our entire offense to witness these guys consistently step up and make impactful plays.”
Both Smith-Njigba and Bobo managed to secure touchdowns, courtesy of passes from Smith, who completed 18 of 24 passes for a total of 219 yards, including the two crucial touchdowns. Running back Kenneth Walker III continued his outstanding season by achieving a season-high 105 rushing yards. In total, the Seahawks accumulated 318 yards of offensive yardage and converted 7 of 15 third-down attempts.
On the defensive side, Seattle limited the Cardinals to just 249 yards of total offense, allowing them a mere 15 first downs and a 5-of-15 performance on third-down conversions. While they didn’t force any turnovers, the Seahawks did manage to sack the Cardinals’ quarterback four times.
Heading into their next game, the Seahawks bring the 15th-ranked total offense to face the NFL’s top defense. They currently rank 20th in rushing and 13th in passing. In addition, they are 24th in third-down conversion rates and 21st in red zone offense. On the defensive front, the Seahawks have displayed a solid performance, ranking 12th in total defense, sixth against the run, and 21st against the pass. However, their red zone defense has been struggling, ranking last in the NFL, and they are 28th in preventing third-down conversions. Like the Browns, the Seahawks have excelled at pressuring the opposing quarterback this season, ranking fifth in sacks.
Regarding turnover differentials, the Seahawks currently sit at 21st in the NFL for this season. They have faced challenges with mental errors, placing 22nd in penalties per game.
In terms of injuries, G Phil Haynes (calf), WR Tyler Lockett (hamstring), and RB Kenneth Walker III (calf) are listed as probable. LB Bobby Wagner (ankle), S Jamal Adams (NIR-Resting Player/knee), and G Damien Lewis (ankle) are questionable.
These PJ Walker games haven’t been the easiest to predict and find good bets, but we managed to go 1-1 a week ago in the win over the Colts. Despite reports saying Jonathan Taylor would receive the majority of the work, Zack Moss still received 18 attempts to ruin our under on his rushing yards. Deshaun Watson remains out, so it’ll be another two modest plays today in a game that could have a wide range of outcomes. Here are two good plays for the Browns versus the Seahawks in Week 8.
Walker has gone over this line in both of his starts this season, averaging 33 per game. The Seahawks are a much better defense against the run, and the Browns are likely going to have to throw to drive downfield. With their low yards before contact, it isn’t likely the Browns’ run game is going to be very consistent today.
Every quarterback has gone over this line against the Seahawks this year, with Andy Dalton throwing as many as 58 attempts. The Browns aren’t likely to be way ahead in this game, which is the only way they will turn to the run to eat the clock. Teams are averaging 39 attempts per game against the Seahawks because of their stout run defense. I expect Walker to have to throw often for the offense to have any success.
Dustin Hopkins has gone over this line in all but one game this year, the miss being the Ravens game where Dorian Thompson-Robinson started on short notice. He’s amassed 10 kicking points in each of Walker’s two starts, and the Browns are likely to take their points and trust their defense whenever possible. With the potential of a defensive turnover to give good field position along with the offense failing to finish off drives, Hopkins should be the primary point scorer for the Browns again.
While the Seahawks rank 6th in fewest kicking points against, the Browns are going to strive for a low-scoring game where field goals will be very valuable. Touchdowns aren’t likely to be scored in bunches, and the Browns will need their new kicker to come through yet again to stay in this one.
Recap
The Browns head into their fourth straight game without a healthy Deshaun Watson, something that would’ve sounded like a death sentence on the season back in training camp. The defensive line has to take over again today, as the Seahawks’ offensive line is certainly their weak point. The run game will need to be a little consistent today, but that won’t be easy against a stout run defense. Offense is likely to be at a premium again, and the Browns need to take care of the ball and string some drives together to pull out another gutsy win.
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