Where Does Each Team Stand?
Green Bay is one of, if not the, best teams in the NFL. They’re tied for 3rd in point differential (+23) meanwhile Cleveland is on the opposite end of the spectrum, currently 0-2 and a point differential of -25 ranking 30th in the NFL. The Browns are working through a rebuild, of sorts, needing to identify a Quarterback of the future, but have Joe Flacco manning the helm right now and is quite serviceable. The Browns have talent, but they’ve been on the struggle bus for some time now.
Prime Matchup: Defenders?
This game will feature the best 2 pass rushers in the NFL. Myles Garrett and Micah Parsons are the premier pass rushers and can wreck a game on their own from the defensive side of the football. We, as Packer fans, now know how good Micah Parsons is, but this will be a good look at how effective Garrett is for the common fan. Meaning – if all-world RT Zach Tom is unable to go, rookie Anthony Belton will have the greatest test a rookie can be tested with…facing Myles Garrett. Depending how Cleveland decides to use Garrett, likely shifting all over the field pre-snap, the Packers might be able to alleviate some pressure on Belton with counters and play action, but this will be a tough test regardless.
Matchup Matrix
These teams boast 2 of the best defenses in the NFL, at least through 2 weeks. They also have the top 2 rush defenses in the NFL. Cleveland also ranks #1 in total defense (yards given up/game), however they’ve been done in by turnovers. This will be the key to the game, as the only way Cleveland will be able to win this game is by winning the turnover battle, they may have to win it by 2 or 3.
When the defense is on the field, they’ll have the advantage in this game, for both Green Bay and Cleveland. Again, whichever teams takes care of the football and is able to get some chunk plays, will win the game. The Packers enter this game as 7 ½ point favorites and it could be tough to cover unless their defense generates a couple of short fields off turnovers.
Prediction Time
Whichever team is more effective vs. the other’s outstanding pass rusher will come out victorious. I should elaborate a bit more on that – for Cleveland that is a must, Green Bay might be able to get away with Garrett wreaking some havoc.
Season: 1-1
Overall: 108-70
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