It’s been a disappointing year for the Browns after they went 11-6 and made the postseason in 2023. The AFC North side has already matched its loss total from last year, as they are 2-6 through two months of the season.
The Browns did upset the Ravens last week though, and the offense looks completely different with Jameis Winston under center. With that, here are some players that the Chargers will have to keep an eye on this upcoming weekend.
RB Nick Chubb
One of the best running backs in the league when healthy, Chubb returned to action in Week 7 after a gruesome knee injury last year. In his first two games of the year, he’s ran for 74 yards and a touchdown on 27 attempts. After just 30 snaps in his season debut, he ramped up to playing 60% of the team’s offensive snaps in Week 8. Expect that number to continue to increase, and the Chargers defense must contain them if they want to win this game.
TE David Njoku
After the best season of his career in 2023, Njoku is rounding back into that form over the last few weeks. In the last two games, he’s caught 15 passes for 137 receiving yards and two touchdowns. He’s one of the best tight ends in the NFL when healthy and with Winston now at quarterback, he has someone that can get him the ball. Slowing Njoku down should be the Chargers’ #1 priority in the passing game.
RT Jack Conklin
The trenches will be where this game will be won on both sides of the ball. Conklin will likely face Khalil Mack most of the game, and that will be the matchup of the day. Mack continues to be an elite edge rusher for Los Angeles, and Conklin has been solid in 2024.
EDGE Za’Darius Smith
While Myles Garrett gets all of the attention, Smith is still quite the player at 32 years old. The Chargers’ elite offensive tackle duo will have their hands full on Sunday with the Browns pass rush. In eight games this season, the three-time Pro Bowler has 5.0 sacks in addition to five tackles for loss. Smith is on pace for the fourth double-digit sack campaign of his career.
S Juan Thornhill
The former Chiefs safety has helped solidify the safety position for the Browns in 2024. He’s played in just three games as he dealt with a calf injury for awhile, but he’s now back in the lineup. Albeit in limited action, Thornhill has been highly effective against the run this season. We’ll see what kind of impact he has against J.K. Dobbins and the Chargers’ rushing attack.