The Browns host Carolina Sunday, and two SB Nation staffers pick Cleveland to win, 23–20 and 23–14. Their preview highlights Cleveland’s weak run game against the Panthers’ last-ranked run defense and the uncertainty over how fans will greet Deshaun Watson in his first home game.
After two games, Cleveland ranked 31st in rushing, averaging 65.5 yards and 2.91 yards per carry; Carolina ranked last in run defense, allowing 224 rushing yards per game at 6.31 per carry. Panthers quarterback Bryce Young threw for 361 and 287 yards, with three touchdown passes in each game, while Cleveland allowed 245 and 182 passing yards.
The preview calls Watson’s Week 2 performance his best as a Brown; he looked comfortable and led a couple of second-half scoring drives against Tampa Bay. Asked about the crowd, Watson said he was ready for its support and energy and did not want to be at war with fans. FanDuel listed Cleveland as a 2.5-point underdog, with a 41.5 over/under.
