Riding some momentum from a Week 2 win, Deshaun Watson and the Browns arrive back in Cleveland for the team's home opener, looking to make it two in a row against the Carolina Panthers
The Browns return to Cleveland for their home opener in Week 3, with plenty of speculation around how embattled quarterback Deshaun Watson will be greeted by fans.
Last weekend's win should mute at least some of the booing – honoring Nick Chubb should help that cause as well – but how how performs throughout the game will ultimately dictate how much booing really fills Huntington Bank Field on Sunday.
On the opposing sideline, the Carolina Panthers come to town with a red-hot offense that's averaging the second-most points per game in the NFL at a rate of 35.5. That all starts with young QB Bryce Young, who, through two games, is an early MVP candidate. He's been terrific, but the Browns defense made Baker Mayfield look pedestrian last week. Can they do more of the same against Young and the Panthers?
Here's where we stand.
Who Wins?
Anthony Moeglin:
The vibes are high in Cleveland after what was a great win last week and what should be a winnable game this week in Carolina. The team has had great energy all week in practice and is looking to start a win streak. Although all arrows are pointing up, it is not going to go Cleveland's way. Carolina spoils the home opener and reminds Browns fans not to get too excited for this year.
Spencer German:
I've admittedly waffled on this one all week. Watson looked confident for the first time in a long time last Sunday to take down the Bucs. If he's found something, this offense can certainly do enough to be competitive every week. They do need their run game to function much better, though, and this may be the matchup to get that phase on track, granted the Panthers did a solid job against Bijan Robinson last week. Ultimately, I think this game goes down to the wire and the Panthers eke it out.
Do The Browns Cover?
Anthony:
They do not cover. A 2.5-point spread is basically a pick 'em in today's NFL. The Browns fight all day, but the Panthers make the final blow late in the fourth quarter. Browns lose 24-17.
Spencer:
The line on this game has remained very tight, with Carolina considered a 2.5-point road favorite, which speaks to the fact that Vegas even thinks this one will be close. In light of my prediction above, I think Carolina kicks a game-winning FG to break a tie in the closing minutes of the game, 27-24. So no, the Browns don't quite cover.
Bold Prediction For Sunday
Anthony
Jerry Jeudy finds the endzone for the Browns.
It has been all about the young rookie wide receivers to this point, but Jerry Jeudy gets his chance, finds an opening, and connects for a touchdown in front of the home crowd.
Spencer:
Quinshon Judkins goes for 100 for the first time this season
I don't necessarily know that the Panthers run defense is as bad as it looked in Week 1 against the Chicago Bears. That team got hot and it's left some of those numbers skewed for Carolina's defense. That said, with Devin Lloyd ruled out for this one, I think Cleveland will ultimately find some room to run and finally get Judkins going.
