The Indianapolis Colts (3-1) and Cleveland Browns (3-1) are preparing for a Week 5 matchup at FirstEnergy Stadium on Sunday in what should be a tightly contested bout.
The Colts are now one-point underdogs for the matchup, according to Vegas, and the experts are pretty split on who will win this game. The Colts will be without two key starters while the Browns look pretty healthy.
Here’s how the Colts Wire staff sees this game coming out:
Kevin Hickey (@KevinHickey11): Browns 26, Colts 24
The line on this game is extremely small for good reason. These two teams are very similar in wanting to run the ball while the Colts have a better defense. However, it’s going to come down to injuries.
The Colts will be without starting left tackle Anthony Castonzo and linebacker Darius Leonard. Even the biggest of optimists have to be concerned with Le’Raven Clark matching up against Myles Garrett, even if the Colts send help his way.
The problem is the offense hasn’t shown it is capable of running away with a game. If the Browns control the tempo, it may be hard for the Colts to establish their gameplan.
The Browns have shown they can control the line of scrimmage on offense, which will be the priority on Sunday. The Colts’ front seven is strong, maybe strong enough to withstand the absence of Leonard. But it may be enough to just keep the Browns in the game long enough for them to grab a win.
It’s going to be close and I won’t be surprised if Indy comes out with a win but with the injuries hitting key spots, the Browns come out with a close one.
Sam Sinclair (@samsinclair96): Browns 27, Colts 24
After pulling off an impressive road victory in Chicago last week, the Indianapolis Colts head to Cleveland to face the Cleveland Browns in a battle of 3-1 teams.
This week’s game should be a bigger task for the defense than any game so far this year. Cleveland averages 31 points per game and is first in the NFL in rushing yards per game with over 200 a game.
The Browns defense isn’t much to be talked about though. Cleveland is near the bottom of the league in every defensive category, but they’re tops in takeaways this season with 10. So ball security will be a top priority for Indianapolis this week.
With the Colts missing Darius Leonard and Anthony Castonzo this week, this game just became a lot harder. In a game that could determine seeding in the AFC playoff picture in December, I’m going to take the Browns in this one.
John Alfieri (@alfierijohn): Browns 28, Colts 17
This is a game that will be tough for the Colts as they take the field without LT Anthony Castonzo and LB Darius Leonard. Not being able to stick Castonzo on Myles Garrett will be a challenge as the Colts try to keep Philip Rivers safe.
Another concern is coverage. Who will be on Odell? Who is the No. 1 corner for this team? That matters when you go against a receiver like OBJ. Not to mention, the Browns have other threats too.
This game should remain close in the first half as the Colts try to establish the run like they failed to last week. Eventually, the Browns should pull away based on the pure level of talent they possess on both sides of the ball. This game is just full of bad matchups across the board for Indy.