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Seahawks versus Browns: Our staff predicts a troubling day

By Lee Vowell

SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 20: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks runs with the ball during the first half of a football game against the Cleveland Browns at CenturyLink Field on December 20, 2015 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks won the game 30-13. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 20: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks runs with the ball during the first half of a football game against the Cleveland Browns at CenturyLink Field on December 20, 2015 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks won the game 30-13. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /
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The 4-1 Seahawks play the 2-3 Browns in Cleveland on Sunday. Who is going to win? This is what our staff thinks will happen.

The Browns have disappointed so far, but there is enough time left in the season for them to make a run at the postseason. Hopefully that turnaround does not start in week six versus the Seahawks. Here is what our staff predicts will happen.

Blake Waldron, contributor

The Seahawks are in a tough spot as their offensive line looks to be without Duane Brown and D.J. Fluker come Sunday, in addition to their do-it-all first man of the bench Ethan Pocic. Cleveland’s defense is 6th in sacks headlined by the likes of Myles Garrett, Sheldon Richardson and Olivier Vernon. Not a good combination for an offensive line who is standing on its last legs. Cleveland’s defense is also 7th in passing yards allowed and 5th in 3rd down percentage, as well as reaping the benefits of the returns of starting corners Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams. With Seattle going on the road I think the path to victory is much simpler for a healthier Cleveland team filled with offensive weapons.

Prediction: Browns 24 Seahawks 16

Colby Patnode, contributor and host of the 12th Man Rising podcast

The loss of Brown and and Fluker are big. Cleveland is underperforming but still talented and their season may very well be on the line. Add the fact that it’s a 10 am kickoff on the road, and I don’t think my concern is veiled at this point.

Seattle is coming off a huge win with a long layoff and the Browns just got smacked on national TV. Everything makes me want to take the Browns, except for Russell Wilson. This has the feel of a letdown game. I could easily look foolish, but I’m taking Cleveland.

Prediction: Browns 28 Seahawks 27

Geoff Shull, contributor

On paper the Browns have one of the most talented rosters in the NFL. Sometimes having too much talent can come with overwhelming personalities that clash causing discord in the organization. Thus far this year that is what we have seen from the Browns. Odell Beckham Jr. has publicly stated his disappointment with the play calling and execution of his fellow teammates while Baker has jumped on the bullet stating he needs to be better. Look for the Browns to go early and often to Beckham to try and get him into a rhythm. This will be Shaquill Griffin‘s biggest test yet this season. I think the game will feel a lot closer than it actually is, Seahawks will pull out a win making it to a record of 5-1.

Prediction: Seahawks 28 Browns 17

Todd Vandenberg, co-expert

The Cleveland Browns were the hot pick for an awful lot of the media coming into this season. I’m not mocking them; I thought they’d be good too. They haven’t come close to building off their late-season success of 2018. The offense has been inconsistent. You can read that as Baker Mayfield has been wildly inconsistent, and you’d be right. Adding weapons like Beckham and Landry doesn’t help if the quarterback can’t get the ball to them regularly. For the first time this season, I’m going against my preseason pick. That’s a good thing as I expected the Browns to upset the Seahawks. Not now.

Prediction: Seahawks 33 Browns 19

Lee Vowell, co-expert

Next. Should Seahawks trade for a corner?. dark

This game worries me. The Browns are not playing as well as most expected but have lots of potential. Their defense matches up well with the Seahawks offensive line, especially without Brown and Fluker. Jamarco Jones will have to show he was as good as he was in week five for Seattle to have a chance. Chris Carson will have to have a huge day. And if Seattle cannot muster a pass rush against a not-great Cleveland offensive line then this game will not be close.

Prediction: Browns 28 Seahawks 20

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