Predictions Detroit Lions v. The Cleveland Browns

Jared Goff, the Lions’ elite MVP-caliber quarterback, is the NFL’s most underrated quarterback.  After a stunning Week 2 performance against the Chicago Bears, Goff was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week.  Number two on the ESPN list with a 79.4% passer rating, Goff has 731 yards with seven touchdowns and one interception.  

But, as Dan Campbell pointed out, his star quarterback does much more than toss a football.  “You talk about running the quarterback position, nobody’s playing it better than him right now. Describing Goff’s performance in the Baltimore game, he stated, “There’s a number of things — people have no idea — that he did in that game that was big time, man.”  

Speaking with Jeremy Reisman of PrideOfDetroit.com, Campbell continued, “I’m talking about high-level quarterback play. High level with the function from the play in the huddle, all of our different audible system that we have that he can get into per play, per look. And then in the moment: crowd noise, everything, critical moments, and just some of the little nuances of the position that he did — get everybody set up right, make sure we’re all on point-it was just, I’m telling you the guy is playing at a very high level.”

Prediction: Flacco delivers a strong performance, but the Lions’ elite leader with a Master’s Degree in QB Intelligence will put up more points.  

The Browns Ground Game

The Browns selected Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins with the 36th pick in the second round of the 2025 draft.  The third running back selected in the draft, Judkins, followed the selections of Ashton Jeanty (Las Vegas Raiders) and Omarion Hampton (Los Angeles Chargers).  Appearing in two games, Judkins has 28 carries for 155 yards with one touchdown, along with four receptions for 11 yards.  

Jeanty has 19 receptions for 38 yards and one touchdown, while Hampton has 42 receptions for 142 yards and a touchdown. Judkins is clearly an emerging star and has earned the number one slot over fellow rookie Dylan Sampson and veteran Jerome Ford.  

The One-Two Punch of Gibbs and Montgomery 

Despite the obvious upside of Judkins, Cleveland’s ground game can’t touch the speed, power, and elusiveness of the league’s top RB duo, David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs.  After Montgomery’s late-season injury last year, Gibbs stepped up.  Shouldering the backfield burden, he recorded 365 yards on 64 carries with three touchdowns. Gibbs added another 122 yards on 13 receptions with one touchdown. His breakout game in Week 18 which Gibbs scored four touchdowns against the Minnesota Vikings, earned him the NFC Offensive Player of the Week.

Last week against the Ravens, Montgomery was the one to have a breakout game. He put up a flawless 151 yards on 12 carries and two touchdowns, along with a 72-yard high-speed breakaway.  

While “D-Mo” may feel like the forgotten member of the duo at times, it’s clear his coach hasn’t forgotten his contribution. When asked about Montgomery’s performance during a recent media session, Campbell enthused, “I haven’t forgotten about David, so I can tell you that right now. He’s exactly what we know he is. We know what David is. I mean, that’s his type of game. That’s right up his alley. And so, we know the kind of back he is. We feel like he can do everything for us. And the one-two punch with him and (Lions RB Jahmyr) Gibbs, we think, is what makes both of those guys pretty special. They play off of each other, they give each other a breather, and we trust both of them in the game to do multiple jobs. And that guy, he’s special.”  

Facing A Tough Cleveland Defense 

As talented as Gibbs and Montgomery are, this game could prove their biggest challenge thus far. Cleveland’s notoriously stingy defense is first in total defense and against the run. The Browns allowed the NFL’s fewest rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. Josh Jacobs was held to 30 yards on 16 carries last week, while Derrick Henry had 11 rushes for 23 yards in Week 2. The Browns’ defense under DC Jim Schwartz (previously the Lions HC from 2009-2013) is currently ranked fourth against the pass. Superstar EDGE Myles Garrett leads the team with 4.0 sacks. DT Maliek Collins is another impact player.  

However, with the outstanding play of Penei Sewell (98.7) and Tate Ratledge (91.4), the Lions’ offensive line had their best outing last week.  PFF.com graded both players in the 90s for their protection of Goff, which limited Baltimore to eight pressures.    

Prediction: Detroit’s offensive line will pick up where it left off last week, delivering another strong performance.   

Lions’ Defense Could Be The Difference Maker 

The Lions’ defense was outstanding on Monday night, making it a very long night for Jackson with 7.0 sacks and 34 QB pressures.  There were so many outstanding performances; DC Kelvin Sheppard and the entire defense should stand up and take a bow.    

Prediction: If the defense plays like that again on Sunday afternoon, Flacco is susceptible to pressure.  If successful in forcing turnovers, the Lions will be looking at a 3-1 start for the season.