Cleveland Browns vs. New England Patriots: 5 Bold predictions for Week 8
4. Chubb nets 100-yard day
For all of the negativity surrounding and shortcomings of the Cleveland Browns, Nick Chubb has been fantastic for this offense. In his last four games, he’s gone for 96, 165, 87 and 122 yards while combining for five touchdowns over that stretch. Good or bad defenses, the workhorse running back has definitively looked the part and, in many ways, kept this Browns team competitive.
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As is the case with almost every defensive statistic, the Patriots run defense has been quite impressive this year, giving up only 74.7 yards per game. However, a good part of that has to do with teams not being in position to run. This game will be closer than expected and, more importantly, Cleveland thrives with Chubb moving the ball. He will against the Pats and will get his third 100-yard performance in his last four games.
3. Michel answers with own 100-yard showing
While the Patriots run defense has been impressive this season, the Browns run defense has decidedly not been that. Many people have called out their pass defense but Cleveland is giving up an astounding 154.0 yards per game on the ground to opponents. That’s far from a recipe for success and is something that they may not have the linebackers or interior defensive line depth to totally answer right now.
Given the matchup in the passing game, Bill Belichick will certainly recognize this and ride Sony Michel. Though he’s been used heavily and found the end zone, Michel’s yardage has not been impressive. He’s averaging only 3.3 yards per carry this year and has no 100-yard game on the season. That changes against this Browns run defense though as he matches Chubb step for step with 100 yards of his own.