NFL Cleveland Browns

Browns vs. Titans: 5 Bold Predictions for Week 5 Game

5 Bold Predictions for Browns vs. Titans

5 Bold Predictions for Browns vs. Titans
Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Browns return from their bye this week, and they’re coming up on the soft spot of their schedule. They kick off a string of winnable games with a bout against the Tennessee Titans, who are coming off a blowout loss to the Colts. If Cleveland wants to be taken seriously in the NFL, they need to prevail in winnable games like these. As we prep for Sunday, here are five bold predictions to watch out for as the Browns take on Tennessee.

1. Justin Gilbert Has a Bounce-Back Game

Justin Gilbert Has a Bounce-Back Game
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

1. Justin Gilbert Has a Bounce-Back Game

Justin Gilbert Has a Bounce-Back Game
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

It’s been a rough start to Gilbert’s NFL career. However, I think this Sunday is when we finally see him make some positive strides. There’s a significant drop-off this week in both the quality of receivers and quarterback he’ll be lining up against, and I think this will make a big difference. Hopefully, he can have a solid performance and start trending in the right direction. If he can’t, though, it’s something the Browns need to address.

2. Terrance West Will See a Significant Drop in Carries

Terrance West Will See a Significant Drop in Carries
Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

2. Terrance West Will See a Significant Drop in Carries

Terrance West Will See a Significant Drop in Carries
Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Ben Tate is expected to make his return from injury this week, boosting an already effective Cleveland running game. As a result, one of the Browns’ rookie backs is going to see less time. I think it’ll end up being West, who’s yards per carry has dropped significantly since Week 1. Meanwhile, Isaiah Crowell has looked great, and I expect Cleveland to try and utilize him more. This combo means West might be struggling to get touches for a bit.

3. Bishop Sankey Will Test a Shoddy Browns Run Defense

Bishop Sankey Will Test a Shoddy Browns Run Defense
Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

3. Bishop Sankey Will Test a Shoddy Browns Run Defense

Bishop Sankey Will Test a Shoddy Browns Run Defense
Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Sankey has looked good so far this year, especially against a Bengals defense which was near the top of the league. Likewise, Cleveland’s run defense is a disaster right now. They’ve been gashed at a weekly basis, regardless of who’s rushing against them. Tennessee will need to consistently move the ball this Sunday, and Sankey will be a crucial weapon if they want to try and pull out a victory.

4. Ben Tate Will Shine in His Return

Ben Tate Will Shine in His Return
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

4. Ben Tate Will Shine in His Return

Ben Tate Will Shine in His Return
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

As mentioned, Tate is getting set to return after being out three weeks with a knee injury. I expect him to come back with a vengeance. Despite only having six carries against Pittsburgh, he averaged 6.8 yards a rush before having to leave the game. He’s ran with a chip on his shoulder ever since he joined the Browns, and with the Titans allowing 127 rush yards per game, look for Tate to run wild Sunday.

5. The Titans Will Give the Browns Issues

The Titans Will Give the Browns Issues
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

5. The Titans Will Give the Browns Issues

The Titans Will Give the Browns Issues
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

The Titans have struggled something awful since their opening day win against the Chiefs. The Browns, on the other hand, have been competitive in every game. However, they also have a tendency to play down to their competition. This, plus being away from home will make this game closer than some might have thought. I still believe Cleveland will win, but it won’t be a blowout, as the Titans will likely put up a good fight.

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