CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – The 2-7 Cleveland Browns travel to New Orleans to take on the 3-7 Saints in Week 11.
Here’s what we are watching for.
Ball security – Coming off a three interception performance in a 27-10 loss to the Chargers, taking care of the football will be paramount for Browns starter Jameis Winston against a ball hawking Saints defense that has 12 interceptions and 15 total takeaways this season.
Cedric the entertainer – Receiver Cedric Tillman has emerged following the Amari Cooper trade in mid-October. In the three games since Cooper was dealt to the Bills, Tillman has caught 21 of 32 targets for 255 yards and three touchdowns.
Slump busted – Myles Garrett broke out of his four-game sack slump in a big way by taking down Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert three times in four plays. It was the fourth game with three sacks and 19th multi sack game of Garrett’s career. Garrett, who is tied for eighth in the league with 7.0 sacks in 2024, is 4.5 sacks shy of 100 since being drafted No. 1 overall in 2017.
Contain Kamara – Saints running back Alvin Kamara leads New Orleans with 715 rushing and 421 receiving yards this season and he has scored a total of seven touchdowns. Containing the versatile back, who aims for his fourth consecutive game with over 100 scrimmage yards, will be key to keeping their offense in check.
Saturday moves – The Browns signed defensive tackle Sam Kamara and defensive end Elerson Smith to the active roster from the practice squad and placed defe3nsive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (knee) on injured reserve. Cleveland also elevated receiver Kadarius Toney from the practice squad. Offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr.’s (knee) was downgraded to out for Sunday’s game.
Last Time – December 24, 2022: Saints 17, Browns 10
Series – Browns lead all-time 13-6
Last week – Browns had a bye; Saints beat the Falcons 20-17
How they compare – Here’s a look at how the two teams match up statistically.
Points scored: Browns 16.44, Saints 22.70
Yards: Browns 274.4, Saints 334.8
Rushing: Browns 91.0, Saints 122.4
Passing: Browns 183.4, Saints 212.4
Points allowed: Browns 23.7, Saints 24.6
Yards allowed: Browns 282.2, Saints 385.6
Rushing yards allowed: Browns 122.6, Saints 141.0
Passing yards allowed: Browns 205.7, Saints 244.6
Turnover ratio: Browns -7, Saints +4
Probable Starters – Offense: WR Jerry Jeudy, LT Dawand Jones., LG Joel Bitonio, C Ethan Pocic, RG Wyatt Teller, RT Jack Conklin, TE David Njoku, QB Jameis Winston, RB Nick Chubb, TE Jordan Akins, WR Cedric Tillman
Defense: DE Myles Garrett, DT Dalvin Tomlinson, DT Shelby Harris, DE Ogbo Okoronkwo, LB Mohamoud Diabate, LB Devin Bush, CB Denzel Ward, CB Greg Newsome II, CB MJ Emerson, S Juan Thornhill, S Rodney McLeod
Injury report – OUT: LT Jedrick Wills Jr. (knee)
Uniforms – White jerseys, white pants, orange helmet
Broadcast – 92.3 The Fan, 98.5 WNCX and the University Hospitals radio network; WJW TV-8 (FOX)
Kickoff – 1:03 p.m. Caesars Superdome; New Orleans, Louisiana
Our prediction – Saints 24, Browns 20
