Packers vs. Browns: Preview, score prediction for Week 14

Green Bay Packers vs. Cleveland Browns

The 6-6 Green Bay Packers look for their third win with Brett Hundley under center. Since filling in for the injured Aaron Rodgers, he’s led them to a 2-4 record, but they could stay in the playoff hunt should they win against the 0-12 Cleveland Browns.

The hope is that A-Rod could then return in Week 15, trying to work his magic for the Pack. However, beating the Browns is a critical step one to making that happen.

Can they do just that on Sunday?

Cleveland Keys To Victory

Get Kizer in rhythm: DeShone Kizer has has hid moments so far during his rookie season — some good and some bad. What the Browns need to do in this one is get him going early, and help him find some rhythm. Maybe some screen passes, or a couple short routes to tight end David Njoku. Just something to build his confidence early.

Feed Gordon: Last week they had wide receiver Josh Gordon back on the field for the first time in about three years. He played well, and they need to keep feeding him. Gordon was one of the best receivers in the NFL before his numerous suspensions, and could help the offense tremendously.

Stuff the run: What’s helped Green Bay stay in the mix lately is their new-found run game. The Browns need to shut that down and force Hundley to throw the ball. Their defensive line is short due to injuries, but they have to find a way to fight through and keep the rookie duo of Jamaal Williams and Aaron Jones in check.

Green Bay Keys To Victory

Let Hundley pass: Hundley has had two games in which he had less than 90-yards passing, but has had some really sound games throwing as well. A couple weeks ago against Pittsburgh he showed that off in going for 245 yards with three touchdowns. They need to let him go again in this one. He should be able to find room in the Browns secondary to get the ball to his playmakers.

Establish the run: In order to help the young quarterback, they also need to get the ground game going. Taking pressure off Hundley will be ideal, and could open things up with some play action passing.

Rattle the rookie: The most important thing for the Packers will be getting after the rookie quarterback. Their top pass rusher, Nick Perry, is banged up, but someone has to step up. If they can rattle Kizer even slightly, he’s prone to make mistakes. If he has time to throw, he can hurt them.

Odds

Point Spread: Green Bay -3.5
Moneyline: Green Bay -165, Cleveland +149
Over/Under: 39

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Browns make surprise pick at No. 1

Prediction

This is possibly the best shot Cleveland has to avoid going 0-16. That normally wouldn’t be the case against the Packers, but this isn’t the same team without Rodgers. Look for them to come out fired up at home as they try and impress new general manager John Dorsey with their best effort of the 2017 season. Hundley looked better a couple of weeks ago, but has another outing more reminiscent of last week’s 84-yard performance. Cleveland somehow squeaks out their first — and possibly only — win of the season.

Final Score: Cleveland Browns: 19, Green Bay Packers: 17