5 Bold Predictions For Raiders vs. Browns

While Brian Hoyer is expected to start, the Raiders are playing it safe and preparing for Manziel as well; and for good reason. You never know, the Browns might throw in the rookie if Hoyer continues to struggle. At the very least, Manziel will factor in the offense in some capacity on Sunday, even if it’s just for a few gadget or decoy plays.

After shutting down Cecil Shorts last week, Haden is hot. The one negative from Haden’s Week 7 performance was a dropped interception that really would’ve helped the Browns out. He’ll make up for it on Sunday with an interception followed by a house call.

Moore is one of the Raiders’ most promising young players on defense, but he hasn’t recorded a sack since opening day. However, he looks fully healed from an ankle injury that kept him out of two games and is primed to have a big day in Week 8 despite the fact that the Browns have yielded only nine sacks this season.

McFadden has had a surprising season because he hasn’t missed significant time due to injury, but he isn’t producing the way that the Raiders would like. Look for McFadden to break the 100-yard mark and then some for the first time in 2014. The Browns’ rush defense comes in at 31st in the league entering Week 8.

A high-scoring, evenly matched first half will be followed by a Browns takeover in the final 30 minutes. While they are inconsistent, this 2014 Browns team is clearly a different breed than the usual Brownies, and that will become evident down the stretch of this game. Hoyer will get back on track and quiet the clamor for Manziel, at least for a little while.