Cleveland (2-7) will face off against New Orleans (3-7) this Sunday at 1 p.m. EST on Fox. The betting odds from BetMGM have the Saints favored by one point. So far this season, the Browns have a record of 3-6 against the spread, while the Saints are slightly better at 4-6. Historically, the Browns hold a lead in their series against the Saints, with a record of 13-6. Their most recent encounter took place on December 24, 2022, when the Saints narrowly defeated the Browns 17-10. The Browns had a bye last week, while the Saints managed to edge out a victory against the Falcons with a close score of 20-17.
When evaluating team performance, the Browns are struggling significantly on offense, currently ranking 31st overall. Their rushing attack is ranked 28th, and their passing game is equally underperforming at the same rank, while their scoring efficiency is 29th. In contrast, Cleveland’s defense ranks in the middle of the pack overall at 16th, with rush defense slightly better at 14th and pass defense at 13th, though their scoring defense sits at 21st. The Saints, however, are ranked 16th in overall offense, having a balanced attack with 13th in rushing and passing. Their defense, on the other hand, has struggled, occupying the 28th spot overall, with further disappointment in both rushing (27th) and passing (29th) defense.
A notable player to keep an eye on for the Browns is quarterback Jameis Winston. This matchup marks a return for him, as he previously played for the Saints from 2020 to 2023. He enjoyed a warm rapport with fans and teammates but had a complicated relationship with former coach Dennis Allen, who has since been dismissed. Winston will be making his third start for the Browns since stepping in for the injured Deshaun Watson.
For the Saints, running back Alvin Kamara is a key player. Now in his eighth season, he made history by becoming the franchise’s all-time leading rusher last week, accumulating over 6,500 yards throughout his career. Kamara has excelled this season, gaining over 100 scrimmage yards in seven out of ten games, including a dynamic 109-yard performance last week.
A key matchup to watch will be between the Saints’ rookie left tackle Taliese Fuaga and the Browns’ star defensive end Myles Garrett. Fuaga will face a significant challenge against Garrett, who is known for his skill and has recently come off a dominant performance. Garrett was named the AP Defensive Player of the Year and will certainly be aiming to turn the Browns’ season around.
In terms of injuries, the bye week has allowed the Browns to recover, making them one of the healthiest they’ve been in weeks. However, linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah has been placed on injured reserve, meaning he will miss at least three more games. On a bright note, linebacker Jordan Hicks is back after a brief absence due to an elbow issue. Conversely, the Saints will have center Erik McCoy back after a groin injury from Week 3, while offensive lineman Lucas Patrick continues to manage an ankle injury. Running back Jamaal Williams is also sidelined due to a groin injury, and the status of linebacker Pete Werner remains uncertain due to a hand injury.
Historically, the Browns dominated the early series meetings, winning their first eight games against the Saints between 1967 and 1981. Cleveland has a favorable 8-3 record when playing in New Orleans yet lost their last outing there in 2018. Many of their matchups have been quite close, with twelve games decided by seven points or fewer.
As the Browns attempt to stabilize a season that began with hopes for a championship run, the performances of their players will prove crucial. Winston’s two starts have showcased his inconsistency — one game featuring over 300 yards and three touchdowns, and the other resulting in three interceptions. Meanwhile, the Browns’ running game has faltered, despite running back Nick Chubb returning to health after missing the first six weeks post-knee surgery. Chubb is on the verge of achieving the 50th rushing touchdown of his career. Additionally, second-year wide receiver Cedric Tillman has emerged as a bright spot for the team, leading the Browns with three receiving touchdowns over the last couple of games.
Cleveland’s defense has faced challenges with turnovers, managing only one interception this season. However, cornerback Denzel Ward leads the league with 15 passes defensed and has delivered consistent performances throughout his career. Garrett has also made a significant impact, recently recording three sacks against the Chargers, bringing his career total to the second most in the league since 2017.
Among the Saints, quarterback Derek Carr enjoyed a strong performance last week, throwing for two touchdowns while maintaining an impressive passer rating. Carr has proven effective against the Browns in his career, holding a 4-1 record while throwing for a total of over 1,400 yards against them. Kamara’s great form includes three consecutive games with over 100 scrimmage yards. He has achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first running back to post five or more receptions in seven straight games since Christian McCaffrey in 2019.
In fantasy football considerations, Tillman’s expanding role following the trade of top receiver Amari Cooper to Buffalo could still lead to fruitful outcomes against a struggling Saints secondary. With 21 catches over the last three games, he appears primed for further success.
Overall, the upcoming match is set to be a highly competitive affair, as both teams seek to shift their seasons in a more positive direction.