Browns vs. Colts: Preview, score prediction for Week 3

Here is a breakdown of Sunday’s matchup between the Cleveland Browns and the Indianapolis Colts, score prediction, and betting odds.

The Indianapolis Colts will be at home to take on the Cleveland Browns on Sunday in Week 3 as both teams are searching for their first win of the season.

Without Andrew Luck in the lineup, the Colts got decimated by the Los Angeles, 46-9, in Week 1 and lost in Week 2 to Arizona Cardinals in an overtime game which they led until the final three minutes of the game.

Cleveland has looked decent in their first two games, losing to division rivals Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens by scores of 21-18 and 24-10, respectively.

Keys to Victory

In many ways, this game will come down to whichever young quarterback can perform better. Jacoby Brissett will likely take the field for the Colts after Scott Tolzien was pulled towards the end of their Week 1 matchup. Brissett performed much better in Week 2 than Tolzien had the week before. However, a sack and fumble on the Colts’ final drive the game allowed the Cardinals a chance to tie the game and force overtime. Brissett then threw an interception in OT that set up Arizona’s game-winning field goal.

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Rookie quarterback DeShone Kizer was taken out for part of Week 2’s game with a migraine issue. Kizer struggled against a tough Ravens defense, throwing for only 182 yards and three interceptions. The Browns will need Kizer to perform like he did in his debut if they want to win this game. Against the Steelers, Kizer threw for 222 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. Neither of these offenses are good enough to make up for their quarterbacks turning the ball over throughout the game.

Due to their young quarterbacks, it is also important for each of these teams to establish a run game. The Colts and Browns rank 24th and 25th in rushing yards per game through the first two weeks of the season. If either team can run the ball effectively and relieve pressure off of their quarterbacks, that could be all it takes to win.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Cleveland -1
Moneyline: Cleveland -115, Indianapolis -105
Over/Under: 40

All betting odds provided by BookMaker via The Sportsbook Review

Next: NFL 2017: Picks against the spread for Week 3

Prediction

This game might as well be a battle between two rookie quarterbacks. Despite entering Year 2, this will only be the third game Brissett has started in his career. Although Brissett may just be a placeholder until Andrew Luck is healthy enough to play if the Colts keep losing it will difficult for even Luck to win enough games to keep the team’s playoff hopes alive.

Final Score: Cleveland Browns: 20, Indianapolis Colts: 18