Cleveland Browns: 4 Bold predictions vs. Dolphins, Week 12
The Cleveland Browns aim for three straight wins in their first game without Myles Garrett. Four bold predictions for the Browns against Miami in Week 12.
What should’ve been a week of hope and optimism for the Cleveland Browns has been anything but. Baker Mayfield and the much-hyped Browns have won two straight games and are eyeing a dark horse run at the playoffs but all anyone has talked about with Cleveland is the Myles Garrett helmet-swinging incident that’s resulted in his indefinite suspension.
Losing their best defensive player is not good news, courtesy of Captain Obvious. However, the Browns as a whole have played their best football of the 2019 season over the past two weeks. And in Week 12, they’ll welcome the Miami Dolphins to FirstEnergy Stadium in what could be their third consecutive win, though Miami has performed better than expected as of late.
Can Cleveland feed off of adversity and keep their winning ways intact? Given the talent level and a revenge game for wide receiver Jarvis Landry, my money is on yes in Week 12. With that in mind, let’s delve into four bold predictions for the Browns on Sunday against the Dolphins.
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4. Landry feasts with 10+ receptions, 120+ yards vs. former team
Jarvis Landry has been a quiet beast for the Browns offense this season, looking very much like he used to when he suited up for Miami. However, this is no doubt a revenge game for the talented wide receiver given how things ended between him and the Dolphins. So as much as he’s normally used, we could see his targets ramped up.
Frankly, no one on the Miami roster is capable of keeping up with Landry (or Odell Beckham Jr. for that matter). Mayfield is going to look the way of his favorite target this season often and Juice will reward him for it. The former Dolphin will take it to his former team with a monster game that sees him grab double-digit receptions, 120 or more yards and perhaps a score or two.
3. Browns pick Fitzpatrick off three times
Since retaking the starting job for the Dolphins, Ryan Fitzpatrick has played particularly well. He’s not been quite at the FitzMagic levels of old but that may have more to do with his supporting cast than his play alone. Regardless, it does feel as if the quarterback is playing above his head and the Browns are going to bring him crashing down.
Despite not having Garrett or Olivier Vernon, Cleveland can still get pressure up front with Larry Ogunjobi and Sheldon Richardson on the interior. That’s going to force some throws and the likes of Denzel Ward, linebacker Joe Schobert and Greedy Williams will be ready to pounce. After picking off Mason Rudolph four times last week, the secondary will come up big again with three takeaways off Fitzpatrick.
2. Hunt comes up with 125 total yards
Despite the presence and effectiveness of Nick Chubb, the Browns have inserted Kareem Hunt into a sizeable role in the offense after his eight-game suspension ended. In two games, the former Chief has 10 carries for 42 yards and 13 receptions for 90 yards. He’s been both used heavily and effectively since coming onto the scene.
Though the Dolphins have some talent at linebacker, Hunt is a dynamic weapon that can work well against any defense. More importantly, he’s only going to get more comfortable in this new offense. The result will be a big day for Cleveland’s secondary running back with 125 yards between his rushing and receiving totals.
1. Mayfield commits no turnovers with 350+ yards, 4 TDs
After a rightfully maligned start to his 2019 season, Baker Mayfield has settled in nicely over his last three games, throwing five touchdowns and no interceptions over that span. However, he’s not fully gone off just yet but that’s going to change against the lackluster Dolphins defense.
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Especially with Taco Charlton at less than 100 percent, Miami’s pass rush is not effective, which is the best way to disrupt the Browns passing attack. More importantly, the Cleveland weapons can exploit poor coverage players since Xavien Howard is on IR. That’s going to mean a huge day for Mayfield in which he torches the Dolphins early and then cruises to a big victory.