The 4-3 Los Angeles Chargers travel to Cleveland this weekend to face the struggling 2-6 Browns in an important AFC showdown. The Chargers, under the guidance of new head coach Jim Harbaugh, have rebounded from a challenging 2023 season and now appear poised to vie for a playoff position. Meanwhile, the Browns are riding high after a significant victory against the Baltimore Ravens, thanks in part to their new starting quarterback, Jameis Winston, who led the team to success last week. Kickoff is set for 1:00 PM EST.
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Continue reading for the Chargers/Browns prediction.
Chargers Aiming for Consecutive Wins
The Los Angeles Chargers arrive in Cleveland with aspirations to secure their third win in four games, inching closer to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West standings. They improved to 4-3 following a decisive 26-8 victory over the New Orleans Saints. Rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey shone brightly, achieving a career-high in receiving yards and scoring two touchdowns, while the Chargers’ defense kept the Saints from finding the end zone.
“He’s a complete receiver. To have that short game and those intermediate routes that he’s been so good at, and now you open up some of those go balls that you’ve got to respect,” remarked Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert regarding McConkey. “And for him to be able to line up anywhere — inside, outside. You know, we have a true ballplayer on our hands.”
McConkey concluded the game with six catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns, marking the first time in 11 seasons that a Chargers rookie receiver surpassed 100 yards in a game. Herbert amassed a total of 328 yards, with 279 yards passing and 48 yards rushing. Running back J.K. Dobbins contributed with 57 yards and a touchdown. Overall, the Chargers recorded 378 total offensive yards and converted 2-of-3 red zone opportunities into touchdowns. Defensively, they allowed 366 total yards but were strong in critical moments, limiting the Saints to just 2-of-16 in red zone conversions and achieving five sacks.
The Chargers are eager to extend their winning streak in this Eastern Time Zone clash with the Browns. They have a 2-2 record on the road this season. However, the Chargers rank 24th in the NFL for scoring offense and 23rd for total offense. Their struggles in the red zone have placed them at the bottom of the league in converting those opportunities into touchdowns. Conversely, the Chargers boast the best scoring defense in the league, ranking 9th in total defense. They have faced challenges against the run but excelled in pass defense.
Key Injuries: WR DJ Chark Jr. is out, while TE Hayden Hurst, TE Will Dissly, and WR Ladd McConkey are questionable.
Browns Relying on Winston’s Leadership
The Cleveland Browns are hopeful that their recent upset over the Ravens marks a pivotal moment in their season. After a motivational pregame speech, Jameis Winston delivered on the field, passing for over 300 yards and connecting on the game-winning touchdown in the closing moments. This victory ended a four-game losing streak, and Winston may be the spark the team needs to re-enter the playoff race.
“He was very confident in the huddle. He was talking the whole time. Some of the stuff he was saying was a little bit out there, but he was ready to go,” said guard Joel Bitonio. “Obviously, he threw the ball well — 300 yards, three touchdowns. The game-winner. He was a lot of energy. But he’s been like that since he’s been here, so it was expected.”
Winston completed 27-of-41 passes for 334 yards and three touchdowns in his first start in over two seasons. He effectively distributed the ball to six receivers, with Cedric Tillman being the standout with nine catches for 99 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner. The Browns’ offense generated a season-high 401 total yards, while the defense allowed 387 yards but tightened up on third down, limiting the Ravens to just 2-of-12 in conversions.
The Browns return home seeking to build on their recent success, knowing they have little room for error with six losses already this season. Last year, the Browns found new life when veteran quarterback Joe Flacco took the reins, and they are hoping for a similar turnaround with Winston at the helm. Cleveland currently ranks 27th in scoring offense and 31st in total offense. However, they have shown effectiveness in the red zone, ranking 9th in red zone efficiency. Defensively, they are middle-of-the-pack, ranking 18th in scoring defense and 15th in total defense.
Key Injuries: S Ronnie Hickman, DE Za’Darius Smith, RB Jerome Ford, DT Shelby Harris, and LB Mohamoud Diabate are questionable.
Best Bets for Chargers vs. Browns
The Browns have looked significantly better with Jameis Winston under center compared to Deshaun Watson. While Watson struggled to find his rhythm, Winston appeared comfortable and confident, leveraging the talent around him. With two solid running backs and capable receivers, Winston’s performance last week led to over 400 yards of offense. Facing the Chargers, who have a mixed record in sacks per game, Winston may find himself with ample time to operate. The Chargers also rank low against the run, which could allow Cleveland to exploit that with Nick Chubb and Jerome Ford, setting up effective play-action passes.
On the defensive side, the Browns showed resilience against the Ravens, excelling on third downs. The Chargers’ ongoing difficulties in converting red zone opportunities into touchdowns could be their undoing in this matchup. The Browns’ effective red zone play could make the difference, leading them to potentially outscore the Chargers.
