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5 Bold Predictions For Browns vs. Falcons

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By @cdrottar19

5 Bold Predictions For Cleveland vs. Atlanta

5 Bold Predictions For Cleveland vs. Atlanta
Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Browns head south Sunday to take on an Atlanta Falcons team with a worse record, but is still in first place in their division. The Falcons have won two straight, while the Browns followed up a big win over the Cincinnati Bengals with a bad loss to the Houston Texans. Each team is trying to stay in the playoff hunt, and a loss for either will be a big dent to their hopes. Here are a few things to look out for this weekend.

1. Steven Jackson Puts Up Big Numbers Against Browns Defense

1. Steven Jackson Puts Up Big Numbers Against Browns Defense
Jeremy Brevard –USA TODAY Sports

1. Steven Jackson Puts Up Big Numbers Against Browns Defense

1. Steven Jackson Puts Up Big Numbers Against Browns Defense
Jeremy Brevard –USA TODAY Sports

Last week, Cleveland let Texans rookie Alfred Blue torch them for over 150 yards. Though Jackson has struggled as of late, it certainly appears as though he’ll be facing a great opportunity to get back on track. The Browns losing Karlos Dansby to injury only weakens their front seven, which is already without Phil Taylor for the rest of year. It’ll make for a difficult day for Cleveland, but a pretty productive one for Jackson.

2. Josh Gordon Has a Decent Return from Suspension

2. Josh Gordon Has a Decent Return from Suspension
Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

2. Josh Gordon Has a Decent Return from Suspension

2. Josh Gordon Has a Decent Return from Suspension
Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

It would make a lot of sense for the Browns to quickly get their best offensive player in the game. However, his impact might take a while to appear, due both to getting back into game shape and the team’s stance of sticking to their offensive game plan. Gordon is too talented to ignore, though, and while he might have a touchdown or two, it’s unlikely he puts up a 100+ game like we saw from him last year.

3. Matt Ryan Has His Way with Cleveland Secondary

3. Matt Ryan Has His Way with Cleveland Secondary
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

3. Matt Ryan Has His Way with Cleveland Secondary

3. Matt Ryan Has His Way with Cleveland Secondary
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Despite the Falcons’ slow start, Ryan has been able to take advantage of his receiving weapons, resulting in Atlanta’s pass offense being ranked 6th in the NFL. While the Browns have improved against the pass, injuries to their front seven will make pressuring Ryan a difficult task. As a result, look for him to have time to hit his receivers all day.

4. Cleveland’s Running Game Looks Stronger Without Ben Tate

4. Cleveland’s Running Game Looks Stronger Without Ben Tate
Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

4. Cleveland’s Running Game Looks Stronger Without Ben Tate

4. Cleveland’s Running Game Looks Stronger Without Ben Tate
Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

You could argue some of the Browns’ rushing struggles came from trying to get three different backs involved every Sunday. Well, Cleveland addressed this issue, cutting Tate yesterday. Now they’ll focus on working with rookies Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell. As a result, the Browns will likely have a better flow on the ground. Atlanta’s rush defense isn’t too imposing, which will only help get the rookies going.

5. Atlanta Keeps its Winning Streak Alive

5. Atlanta Keeps its Winning Streak Alive
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

5. Atlanta Keeps its Winning Streak Alive

5. Atlanta Keeps its Winning Streak Alive
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

The Falcons have been the hotter team lately, with Cleveland still looking a little bipolar. With this in mind, expect the home team to pull off the victory in the end. The Browns’ defense just had a ton of trouble stopping a less talented offense in Houston, and with a more experienced quarterback at the helm, Atlanta is only going to present an even bigger problem. The Falcons stay in first while Cleveland’s playoff hopes start to shrink.

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