An eventful week for the Cleveland Browns, culminates with rookie QB Dillon Gabriel making his first start against the Minnesota Vikings across the pond

The Cleveland Browns made waves this week with the official announcement that rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel would be leapfrogging veteran Joe Flacco as the team's starting quarterback. 

Aside from the fact that many expected Cleveland to wait a little longer before making the switch, it was hardly a surprise, given the state of the offense. Through four games, the Browns are averaging a mere 14 points per game, they're the not so proud owners of the leagues worst turnover differential at -6 and Flacco posted the NFLs worst passer rating dor eligible QBs. 

Simply put, it was time. And so Gabriel takes over looking to add some juice to an offense desperate for a jolt. 

His opponent will be an aggressive, Brian Flores led Minnesota Vikings defense, that's top four in blitz rate. Where this game is likely to be decided though is in the trenches. 

Minnesota is down three starters up front in Ryan Kelly, Donovan Jackson and Brian O'Neill. The makeshift offensive line that remains will have its work cut out for it protecting turnover prone Carson Wentz fromf Myles Garrett and company. 

Can Gabriel do enough to get the Browns to 2-3?

Cleveland Browns Head to London with Dillon Gabriel as the Starter | Shedeur Makes Headlines Again The Cleveland Browns head to London and begin preparations for a huge game against the Minnesota Vikings. This week the Browns named Dillon Gabriel as the st...

Anthony Moeglin's Prediction:

This game has all of the ingredients for a Browns victory. Both teams enter Week 5 with a some notable injuries. It's worse for the Vikings, though, who are down their starting quarterback JJ McCarthy, but more importantly, three of their starting offensive linemen.

This game on Sunday is going to be won in the trenches, and the Browns will have a massive advantage on both sides of the ball. Myles Garrett and company are going to wreak havoc all day long. In doing so, they are going to make it a long day for Carson Wentz.

Cleveland's secondary is good enough to cover the stars that the Vikings have in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, at least long enough for the defensive line to get home. On offense, the Browns are going to get at least a slight bump from their brand new quarterback, Gabriel.

Gabriel's first start is against one of the league's best defensive coordinators in Brian Flores. Flores is going to blitz Gabriel a lot, but Stefanski is going to make sure that his rookie isn't left out to dry.

All eyes will be on this game bright and early on Sunday morning from London. It may not be the most aesthetically pleasing to the common fan, but for Browns fans, their football Sunday is going to get off on the right foot.

Gabriel is going to lead three scoring drives, including a touchdown run from Quinshon Judkins, a pass from Gabriel and an Andre Szmyt field goal. The final touchdown will come from a Myles Garrett strip sack returned for a touchdown.

Cleveland will get to enjoy a tong victory flight home to Cleveland with a 2-3 record and everything still in front of them.

Browns 24 Vikings 13

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Spencer German's Prediction:

It was inevitable that the Browns would start Gabriel this season. They didn't take too rookie quarterbacks in the NFL Draft to not see either of them play this season. What's surprising about the move is just how early Stefanski felt he had to make it. 

After four weeks of the offense looking totally inept under Flacco, though, something had to be done. Now we find out if Stefanski's bold move pays off, in the form of Gabriel providing even a small jolt on that side of the ball. 

Still, it's not going to be easy. VIkings defensive coordinator Brian Flores has a history of making life very difficult for young quarterbacks, with his aggressive, blitz happy defense. Getting starting right tackle Jack Conklin back, who Stefanski is "hopeful" will play, to protect Gabriel's blindside would be a huge help. Leaning on the run game could also help take some heat off of the 24-year-old, as the Vikings are yielding 4.5 yards per carry to opposing run games this year. 

Where this game will really be won by the Browns, though, is on defense, where their defensive line has a chance to really ruin the Vikings game plan with three starters on the o-line currently out of the lineup. 

This has all the makings for one of those games where Myles Garrett just single-handedly wins Cleveland the game. I'm already predicting at least one defensive score, or at least a turnover that sets up the offense for an easy score. The Browns front is going to get after 

That should pave the way for the Browns to finally score 20 points for the first time since Week 13 of last season. No one should expect Gabriel to fix the offense entirely – the problems go beyond just the QB position. But this week he fuels enough of a spark to propel Ceveland to victory. 

Browns 20, Vikings 14