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LAST MEETING: On September 22, 2019, in Cleveland, the Rams defeated the Browns 20–13.
LAST WEEK: Rams defeated the Cardinals 37-14; Browns fell to the Broncos 29–12.
BROWNS OFFENSE: PASS (27), RUSH (3), SCORING (15), OVERALL (20).
BROWNS PLAYER TO WATCH: DE Myles Garrett, who was first injured in a single-car accident last year, returned to the field for a large portion of last week’s contest. Garrett is the captain of Cleveland’s top-ranked defense and the most important member of the Browns. Garrett has 13 sacks, and his mere presence opens up plays for others because he’s frequently double-teamed.
RA – RAMS PLAYER TO WATCH After missing four games due to an ankle injury, Kyren Williams made a strong comeback against the Cardinals. With Williams out of the game, the offense, which hadn’t scored more than 20 points in a game, had a boost as he ran for 143 yards and received two touchdown passes.
Aaron Donald of the Rams and Joe Flacco of the Browns will be the key matchup. The 38-year-old MVP of Super Bowl 47, Joe Flacco, was signed by the Browns as insurance after Deshaun Watson suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. Since he hasn’t played since the previous campaign, Donald and the rest of Los Angeles’ defensive front may find him easy pickings due to his restricted mobility. For the second time this season, Donald did not receive a tackle in a rare game versus the Cardinals.
KEY INJURIES: When an MRI revealed that Garrett’s shoulder had no additional structural damage, the Browns avoided suffering yet another serious injury setback. However, he may have limitations. Following a hard hit against the Broncos, Thompson-Robinson has been in the concussion protocol. #1 CB for the Browns, Denzel Ward
shoulder) missed a great deal of action last week and will miss his second consecutive game. DT Jordan Elliott, who suffered an injury to his ankle last week, is anticipated to return. LB After missing one game due to a hamstring injury, Anthony Walker Jr. should also make a comeback. Rams S. Quentin Lake will miss his second consecutive game due to a hamstring injury
STATS AND STUFF: Cleveland’s playoff hopes took a knock last week and the Browns can’t afford many more missteps in a crowded AFC field. … If Flacco starts, he’ll the Browns’ fourth starting QB in 12 games. … The Browns’ defense continues to lead the NFL in several statistical categories (total, passing and third down percentage), but has shown some holes in recent weeks and is dealing with numerous injuries. … The Browns’ 1,562 yards passing allowed are the second fewest through 12 weeks going back to 1999. Only the 2019 49ers (1,506) gave up fewer. … Browns TE David Njoku leads the team with 51 catches, but has been plagued by drops the past two games. … Browns K Dustin Hopkins returns to L.A., where he spent two seasons before the Chargers traded him in August. Hopkins leads the league with 28 made field goals and is 7 of 7 beyond 50 yards. … Browns LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah had 12 tackle, a sack and forced a fumble last week. … Rams QB Matthew Stafford threw four touchdowns against the Cardinals, his 15th career game with at least four scoring passes. But the 229 yards passing Stafford had was his lowest total in a game with four or more scores. … After generating at least 71 yards receiving in six of his first seven games, including four 100-yard performances, rookie WR Puca Nacua has not topped 70 yards in any of his past four outings. … Los Angeles has held three straight opponents to fewer than 21 points for the first time since Weeks 5-7 of the 2021 season. … TE Tyler Higbee caught his first two touchdowns of the season against Arizona. … Rookie DT Kobie Turner had his first multi-sack game against the Cardinals. He has three sacks, three tackles for loss and 18 total tackles in his past three games.
FANTASY TIP: Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp has had a forgettable season. He should probably sit this week because he isn’t fully healthy and faces a difficult opponent. During his peak production, Kupp would have produced the kind of output fantasy managers would have anticipated in a single afternoon, as he has tallied 10 receptions for 98 yards in his last four games.