Packers-Browns Matchup: Predictions and Updates

Protect your quarterback. It all starts there. It wouldn’t be unexpected if the Packers offense struggled Sunday. The Packers recently lost Jayden Reed to a broken collarbone. Reed had surgery on both his collarbone and his lingering foot issue this past week and is out indefinitely.

Also, per reports, Tucker Kraft sustained a knee injury in practice on Thursday. His status for Sunday’s game is up in the air, but his knee injury is not anything significant. So, down two of their offensive weapons, the Packers need to get creative on Sunday.

I think it’s easy to predict that Matthew Golden finally gets more action. The rookie wide receiver has done an outstanding job of getting open so far this season. The reads just haven’t been to him. I think that changes Sunday.

The Brown’s run defense is serious, so relying on the creativeness of Matt LaFleur and the offense will be crucial on Sunday. Not only is Matthew Golden in for a big game, but I also think Dontayvion Wicks shows up big too.

Wicks seems to have established more confidence in himself and his hands so far this season. I’d expect his involvement to continue, if not grow, on Sunday.

The Browns offense, however, is not comparable to their defense. Joe Flacco is behind center, and while he is still the best option for the Browns right now, his age is showing.

Flacco earned a 43.8 quarterback rating week one and a 30.5 quarterback rating week two. He’s thrown three interceptions so far this season. He is not at the age where he can move around in the pocket and escape pressure as easily anymore.

With that being said, he still is capable of leading an offense, but with the aggressiveness the Packer’s defense has shown the last two weeks, I’d expect them to make him very uncomfortable on Sunday.

Despite the Packers taking on Micah Parson’s former team next Sunday, Parson’s focus is on Cleveland. When asked how his focus is centered around the Browns, Parsons replied with “Joe Flacco.”

“Really just getting after Flacco. I kind of like to name the hunter. I haven’t had Flacco yet. I need him. I want him. It’s time to go get him.”

It sounds like Joe Flacco could be in for a rough day. As previously stated, nothing is guaranteed in the NFL, but this Green Bay team seems more confident than any team in the recent years.

Despite the lack of weapons heading into Sunday, the Packers have the better quarterback and arguably a better defense than the Browns. It may not be another dominating win, but I think the Packers get the job done.

Prediction: Packers 24, Browns 14.