- In Week 7, the Cleveland Browns (1-5) will play the Cincinnati Bengals (2-4). Given that both teams are trying to maintain their position in the AFC North, this game is vital.
These three Browns have the most chance to affect the outcome of the game.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson
Cleveland has had early difficulties, and Watson is largely to blame for it. Through the first six weeks, he has only passed for 1,020 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions. But head coach Kevin Stefanski reaffirmed on Monday that Watson will continue to start because, in his opinion, he offers the Browns “the best chance to win.” Cleveland still won’t seem to accept that trading Watson for a king’s ransom and then giving him a $230 million, fully guaranteed deal for five years was a bad move.In the event that Watson struggles in a game that the Browns must win, perhaps they will finally acknowledge that he is the issue and sit him.
But the Browns appear to be acknowledging that their hopes of winning this season are pretty much gone and are starting to make plans for the future. With 11 games remaining in the regular season, Jeudy is probably going to take over as the starting wide receiver. After acquiring him in the offseason and agreeing to a three-year, $58 million deal extension, Cleveland clearly believes in him. On Sunday, Jeudy will have the opportunity to start demonstrating his value.
Edge-rusher Za’Darius Smith
After the Cooper transaction, a lot of people think the Browns are not done trading their players. The next player to be the focus of trade rumors is Smith. Although Smith is 32 years old and plays for a team that is not expected to win this year, Cleveland signed him to a two-year agreement in the off season. With 8.5 sacks and one forced fumble since 2023, he could show to be the dependable pass rusher that many clubs are searching for. Although Smith is unconcerned about trade rumors, Sunday may be his final opportunity to increase his value as a Brown by going after quarterback Joe Burrow. “You know what, I didn’t decide that. Smith stated, via Scott Petrak of BrownsZone.com, “That’s all upstairs.” “I would rather you ask them to see what that would be.”
