Going into the season, this was one of the most anticipated games on the schedule. Heck, many even wanted it to open the season in Week 1.
But, while the Patriots have lived up expectations, the Browns certainly haven't, as through six games they are 2-4 and are not living up to their potential given their talented roster.
The Browns are coming off their bye, though and seem prepared to give the Patriots their biggest test of the season, or at least since Buffalo.
Browns vs. PatriotsSunday, Oct. 27, 20194:25, CBSPatriots -11.5, over/under 45.5
3 keys to the game
Limit big plays
Bill Belichick has mentioned multiple times this week how explosive the Browns offense is, as it has the second-most big plays in the league over the last two seasons. It is also worth mentioning how Baker Mayfield feeds off momentum perhaps more than any other quarterback in the NFL. If he gets off to a good start and completes a few passes for big gains, that could change the way he plays for the rest of the game. The Browns have a ton of playmakers — Odell Beckham Jr., Jarvis Landry and Nick Chubb — so the Patriots defense will certainly have their hands full.
Protect Tom Brady
Cleveland has one of the best defensive linemen in the game in Myles Garrett, who certainly has the potential to disrupt the game. New England's offensive line hasn't exactly been a strength either, so this is certainly something to watch. On top of Isaiah Wynn still being on IR, guard Shaq Mason is questionable with a knee injury. This unit will be very vital to the success of the team, not only protecting Brady, but also establishing the running game.
Get Mohamad Sanu going
While Sanu certainly won't have a full grasp of the offense, Josh McDaniels needs to find ways to get the newest receiver involved. His production will positively impact the other receivers with the defense needing to pay attention to him. The player who will likely see the biggest benefit is Julian Edelman since he can now expand his route tree to include more on the outside since Sanu primarily works over the middle of the field.
Fun Facts
1. The Patriots have outscored opponents 70-7 in the first quarter this season.
2. If the Patriots record an interception, it will be eight straight games, including the playoffs. That would tie the fifth-longest streak in team history since the 1970 NFL merger. The franchise record is 14 straight games.
3. Patriots opponents have reached the red zone six times against them this year, and have turned the ball over three of those times, including twice against the Jets.
4. Since 2001, the Patriots are 91-2 when they finish with a positive turnover margin.
5. When leading at halftime, the Patriots are 97-1 all-time in the history of Gillette Stadium.
Prediction
Patriots 23, Browns 13
We could see the weather impacting this game a bit, as with rainy conditions scoring might not be as high as it would be otherwise — especially for the Patriots. This should be the Patriots' toughest test of the year besides the Buffalo game, but we still expect them to win with semi-ease. The Patriots defense should be able to force Mayfield into multiple mistakes.
