Cleveland Browns vs. San Francisco 49ers: 5 Bold predictions for Week 5

2. Buckner brings down Mayfield twice

Despite the offensive improvement that the Browns showed last week, the issues that are present on the line have still not gone away. While Joel Bitonio has been a bright spot, Eric Kush and J.C. Tretter have been quite bad to start the year. That sets up a great matchup for one of the most underrated defensive stars in the league, San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle DeForest Buckner.

Throughout the first three games of the Niners’ season, Buckner has been a consistent presence in the opposing backfield. On the year, he already has 13 total tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks, along with a forced fumble and fumble recovery to his credit. He’s been as good as expected.

There’s no doubt that Freddie Kitchens and the Browns offense did a fantastic job last week against the Ravens to try and get the ball out quickly in the passing game. Facing a loaded San Francisco defensive front seven, you have to expect that Cleveland’s offense will employ the same type of strategy.

At the same time, however, a completely outmatched interior offensive line can only be helped but so much. Buckner is going to make his presence felt in this game. He’ll blow up several plays and end the primetime contest with two sacks of Mayfield on the night, bringing his season total to four in as many weeks.