Browns @ Vikings Predictions

[MaroonBells]

What I don’t like: Talent. 
I typically go off of depth charts and what I know about each player and his matchup on the Vikings. But this week makes that hard. Everywhere you look on the Browns roster, you see talent. The Browns are probably the most talented team in the NFL on paper. Best OL in the NFL and it’s not close. The best one-two punch at RB too (sorry, Cook and Matty). No glaring weaknesses on this team. They’re a top 10 team on offense running the ball. A top 10 team passing the ball. A top 10 team in run defense. A top 10 team in pass defense. They’re also well coached and will likely not be forced into errors by crowd noise. What I don’t like the most is that the Browns will very likely run the ball against what has to be the most disappointing part of this year’s Vikings team: our run defense. This year’s defense was built to stop the run first and we just haven’t done that very well. So that’s what the Browns will do: Move the chains offense, TOP, keep the ball out of Cousins hands. If we can’t somehow find a run defense between now and Sunday, it will be hard to win this game. 
What I like: Cousins
Every week is a different week and I expect the Browns to shut down much of those middle zones that were so wide open against Seattle. But Cousins can beat you a number of ways, especially if Dalvin plays. The Browns have good corners in Newsome, Greedy and Ward but they’re young. If the Vikings OL can protect like they did against Seattle and Arizona, Cousins will stay hot at home and it’s anybody’s ball game. 
This game will be won by the team who avoids the key turnover or costly penalty. The Vikings are due to have a bounce or two go their way. 
Vikings 31 Browns 30

[Guest]

Looks like Newsome won't play. That means Vikings will see a lot more of Greedy Williams, the tall lanky and handsy/grabby corner from LSU. Hopefully his former teammate can force a few DPIs.

[Guest]

27-24 MIN

Our banged up/already-not-that-great secondary is a big concern but I’m not sure CLE has the weapons to take advantage of this if we focus on shutting down Odell.

It’s a big test for our OL but I think KJ and Conk catch enough short stuff to keep the Browns defense from pinning their ears back.

Vikes by a FG at home. SKOL

[Guest]

@MaroonBells said:
What I don’t like: Talent. 
I typically go off of depth charts and what I know about each player and his matchup on the Vikings. But this week makes that hard. Everywhere you look on the Browns roster, you see talent. The Browns are probably the most talented team in the NFL on paper. Best OL in the NFL and it’s not close. The best one-two punch at RB too (sorry, Cook and Matty). No glaring weaknesses on this team. They’re a top 10 team on offense running the ball. A top 10 team passing the ball. A top 10 team in run defense. A top 10 team in pass defense. They’re also well coached and will likely not be forced into errors by crowd noise. What I don’t like the most is that the Browns will very likely run the ball against what has to be the most disappointing part of this year’s Vikings team: our run defense. This year’s defense was built to stop the run first and we just haven’t done that very well. So that’s what the Browns will do: Move the chains offense, TOP, keep the ball out of Cousins hands. If we can’t somehow find a run defense between now and Sunday, it will be hard to win this game. 
What I like: Cousins
Every week is a different week and I expect the Browns to shut down much of those middle zones that were so wide open against Seattle. But Cousins can beat you a number of ways, especially if Dalvin plays. The Browns have good corners in Newsome, Greedy and Ward but they’re young. If the Vikings OL can protect like they did against Seattle and Arizona, Cousins will stay hot at home and it’s anybody’s ball game. 
This game will be won by the team who avoids the key turnover or costly penalty. The Vikings are due to have a bounce or two go their way. 
Vikings 31 Browns 30

This is gonna be a streetfight.  To win we HAVE to keep their backs in check, get off the field on 3rd down and give Kook enough time to sustain 5 scoring drives.  Tall Tall order.  Still we are at home and I am a homer-  Vikings 19 Browns 17

[Guest]

Probably just projecting some hope here, but...

...this game is our defene's redemption opportunity.  The run defense has to be a sore point with both Zim Sr. and his DCs, so I see that getting a ton of emphasis this week.  Also, I think that that Breeland/Dantzler situation has to be at a point of transition...because Breeland has to improve, and Dantzler has to get back on the field.  One of them, maybe both, should be eyeing tomorrow's game as their turning point(s).  If Barr is actually back, he should be living in the Browns' backfield all day long.  If not...maybe Vigil makes a case to let Barr walk this offseason.

As for the offense, it's all about stopping their pass rush.  We know we have the RB talent, and we know that our WRs match up against anyone...but Kirk needs time to throw, and Cleveland ran right over the Bears' o-line last week.  If our o-line takes another step forward, this game is essentially in the bag.

SEVERE PURPLE OPTIMISM ALERT!  33-17 Vikings.

[Guest]

I can't really make a prediction until I know whether Dozier has been elevated.  Let's face it, the Vikings are undefeated with Dozier on the game day roster.  Stats do not lie.

[Guest]

Vikings are a +1 @ home
Over/Under is 51

I'm taking the over on this one and projecting a very close, high scoring game.
Not for the faint of heart. Get your Maalox ready
In spite of a stout performance vs Russell Wilson, I dont trust our D yet to close out a close one 

34 Vikes
35 Brownies

[Guest]

Browns  26Vikings  23

[Guest]

@VikingOracle said:
I can't really make a prediction until I know whether Dozier has been elevated.  Let's face it, the Vikings are undefeated with Dozier on the game day roster.  Stats do not lie.

Then you should be happy to know that yes, Dozier has been elevated. Vikings by a bazillion.

[Guest]

31-21 Vikes. Typical Vikes game that gets everyone excited and set up for a blowout loss next week.