CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Two of the NFL’s most futile franchises in modern history meet Sunday afternoon when the Browns host the Lions.
But that wasn’t always the case.
During the 1950’s Detroit and Cleveland played for the NFL title four times with the Lions winning in 1952, 1953 and 1957 and the Browns winning the league championship in 1954 but both franchises have fallen on hard times in recent decades.
They are the only teams in NFL history to go 0-16 in a season. Detroit did it in 2008, the Browns in 2017.
Since 1999, the Lions have had 16 losing campaigns and at 0-8-1 are on their way to a 17th while the Browns have had 19 of them.
This game lacks the usual sizzle and compelling storylines other than the 0-8-1 Lions are in search of their first victory coming off a tie last week against the Steelers while the 5-5 Browns aim to put last week’s 45-7 epic beating by New England behind them.
What to watch for – Rain is in the forecast so sloppy playing conditions are likely meaning the game will be won in the trenches and on the ground.
After being forced to sit out a week due to a positive COVID test, running back Nick Chubb returns to the backfield. Chubb has missed three games this season yet still ranks third in the NFL in rushing with 721 yards. Chubb leads the Browns with six touchdowns, and he is averaging 6.0 yards per carry this season.
The Lions will counter with D’Andre Swift, who had a career high 130 yards rushing and 33 carries last week at Pittsburgh. Swift has a career best with 50 receptions and 420 yards receiving, leading all RBs in receptions and ranking second in yards receiving.
Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield will continue to play through left shoulder, foot and knee injuries that have been impacting his play. Mayfield has shown toughness by making himself available, but he’s only thrown nine touchdowns and four interceptions in nine games in an offense that was expected to be explosive going into the season.
Receiver Jarvis Landry expressed his frustration this past week with a lack of opportunities to make plays. Landry has battled knee injuries this year as he ranks second on the team with 23 catches but he’s yet to catch a touchdown pass in 2021.
Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, who leads the NFL with 13 sacks this season, is a sack shy of tying the franchise record for sacks in a single season. Garrett criticized defensive coordinator Joe Woods following a 45-7 loss to the Patriots over a lack of adjustments. Both have said this week that there are no issues between them in the wake of Garrett’s remarks.
With starting quarterback Jared Goff sidelined due to an oblique injury, the Lions turn to Tim Boyle, who makes his first career NFL start. Boyle was originally signed by the Packers in 2018 as an undrafted free agent where he spent three years. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski researched Boyle when the Vikings considered signing him. Former Browns camp QB David Blough is expected to be Boyle’s backup.
Last week – Lions tied the Steelers in OT 16-16, Browns lost to the Patriots 45-7
Last Time – November 12, 2017: Lions 38, Browns 24
Series – Lions lead 16-4 in the regular season
Rankings – Points: Lions T-29 (16.7), Browns 18 (23.1)
Yards: Lions 28 (319.4), Browns 11 (363.8)
Rushing: Lions 20 (108.2), Browns T-1 (154.1)
Passing: Lions 25 (211.2), Browns 26 (209.7)
Points allowed: Lions 30 (28.9), Browns T-20 (24.1)
Yards allowed: Lions 28 (379.8), Browns 5 (323.9)
Rushing yards allowed: Lions 30 (135.7), Browns 5 (94.7)
Passing yards allowed: Lions 16 (244.1), Browns 11 (229.2)
Turnover ratio: Lions T-18 (-1), Browns T-18 (-1)
Projected starters for Browns – Offense: WR Donovan Peoples-Jones, LT Jedrick Wills Jr., LG Joel Bitonio, C JC Tretter, RG Wyatt Teller, RT Blake Hance, TE Austin Hooper, WR Jarvis Landry, QB Baker Mayfield, RB Nick Chubb, FB Andy Janovich
Defense: DE Myles Garrett, DT Malik Jackson, DT Malik McDowell, DE Jadeveon Clowney, WILL Mack Wilson, MIKE Anthony Walker, SAM Sione Takitaki, CB Greg Newsome II, CB Denzel Ward, SS Ronnie Harrison Jr., FS John Johnson III
Injury report – OUT: CB A.J. Green (concussion), WR Anthony Schwartz (concussion), CB Troy Hill (neck); QUESTIONABLE: WR Donovan Peoples-Jones (groin), DE Takkarist McKinley (groin); EXPECTED TO PLAY: C J.C.
Tretter (knee), DT Malik Jackson (knee), WR Jarvis Landry (knee), QB Baker Mayfield (left shoulder, foot, knee), DE Jadeveon Clowney (wrist, ankle, knee), OT Blake Hance (thumb), CB Greedy Williams (shoulder)
Uniforms – Brown jerseys, white pants
Broadcast – Radio: 92.3 The Fan, 98.5 WNCX and the University Hospitals Cleveland Browns radio network. TV: WJW-TV 8 (FOX)
Kickoff – 1:05 p.m. FirstEnergy Stadium – Cleveland, Ohio
Prediction – Browns 23, Lions 13
Our record – 6-4
