Photo Courtesy: All-Pro Reels
By DaVince “Dino” Wright
Game Info
Las Vegas Raiders vs Cleveland Browns
Monday – December 20 – 4:00 p.m.
TV: NFL Net
FirstEnergy Stadium – Cleveland, OH
Records Before the Game
Las Vegas Raiders (6-7, 3-3 Away)
Cleveland Browns (7-6, 5-2 Home)
The AFC is cluttered heading into the last four games of the season. Both Cleveland and Las Vegas are in the thick of the playoff race in the AFC. The Raiders have struggled in their last five games with only one win against Dallas three weeks ago, Cleveland is 3-2 with wins over Baltimore, Detroit and Cincinnati. This will be a huge game for both teams.
The AFC Playoff Race
Both teams are in the AFC and seeking a playoff berth. Las Vegas is on the outside looking in sitting in 4th in the AFC West. The Browns are in 2nd in the AFC North and a game behind the Baltimore Ravens. The crazy part is watching these team control their own destinies.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders have been standing on thin ice since the season started. Since then they have lost their head coach, players due to off the field issues and COVID hampering the team this season. They are right in the middle of the playoff race. Quarterback Derek Carr is the x-factor for this one on the road. His ability to get the ball down the field will be key for the Raiders offense. The Raiders defense will need to limit Cleveland’s run game in order to have chance Saturday.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns will need to come out smoking! They can’t allow the Raiders to throw the ball down the field. Safety Ronnie Harrison, Jr. is listed as questionable and he’s the last man in the secondary stopping long pass plays. Defensive end Jadeveon Clowney is also listed as questionable but is on the bubble of missing this one at home. The x-factor will be the Browns offensive line in pass protection.
Prediction
ESPN has the Browns with a 66.2% chance of winning at home. I’m taking the Browns by 7!
Final Score
Browns – 27
Raiders – 20
