Cleveland / Washington Preview – The Return of Wentz

Cleveland / Washington Preview – The Return of Wentz

by Thomas Quaynor – NFL analyst for Wannamakeabet.com

 The Cleveland Browns (6-9) go on the road to face the Washington Commanders (7-7-1) on New Year’s Day at 1:00 PM. The Browns are coming off a 17-10 loss at home to the New Orleans Saints, the loss eliminated them from playoff contention. The Commanders lost 37-20 at San Francisco last week, their second straight loss, they are still hanging on to that final wild card spot by a half game over Seattle, Detroit and Green Bay. The Commanders are a 1.5-point favorite in this one. 

 Why The Cleveland Browns Can Win

 The Cleveland Browns stunned the sports world when they traded for quarterback Deshaun Watson last May and then signed him to a fully guaranteed five-year, 230 million contract. The Browns made the move believing that they were a quarterback away from being Super Bowl contenders. The NFL threw a wrench into the Browns big plans by handing down an 11-game suspension for Watson in August due to off the field issues!

 The Browns went 4-7 during Watson’s absence but still had an outside shot at the playoffs if Watson resembled the elite player he was for the Houston Texans. Unfortunately for Browns nation, Watson has not come close to resembling the superstar we saw in Houston over his first four games, he’s thrown for just 2 touchdowns to 3 interceptions and has a 57.7 completion percentage. The Browns have gone 2-2 with Watson and the offense has looked pedestrian.

 Despite the disappointing season and offensive struggles, running back Nick Chubb has had another outstanding season with 1,344 rushing yards, which ranks 3rd in the NFL, his 12 touchdowns ranks 2nd among running backs. Wide receiver Amari Cooper, who the Browns traded for in the offseason, has had a very good season with 73 catches for 1,004 yards and 7 touchdowns.

 Wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones (784 receiving yards) and tight end David Njoku are also key contributors on offense. The Browns have a decent defense led by superstar defensive end Myles Garrett, who is 4th in the NFL with 13.5. Safety Grant Delpit and cornerback Denzel Ward headline a good pass defense. 

 Why the Washington Commanders Can Win

 The Washington Commanders have handed the starting quarterback job back to Carson Wentz, he was injured and then benched for Taylor Heinicke back in October. Wentz replaced turnover-prone Taylor Heinicke in the second half of Washington’s 37-20 loss at San Francisco, Wentz came in and went 12/16 for 123 yards and a touchdown. Commanders coach Ron Rivera named him the starter a few days later. Wentz passes the quarterback “eye test” in terms of physical stature and arm strength which is why he was the 2nd pick in the 2016 draft but his knack for turning the ball over at crucial times has plagued him for several years now.  Washington’s has one of the better defenses in the NFL led by the trio of defensive tackles Daron Payne (9.5 sacks) and Jonathan Allen (7.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles) and defensive end Montez Sweat (7 sacks).

 Even though Cleveland is eliminated from playoff contention, their first-round pick (currently #11) belongs to the Houston Texans so they do have somewhat of an incentive to win these final two games. Also, I’m leaning towards seeing ‘Good Carson Wentz’ in his first start since October 13th at Chicago. 

 The Pick: I’ll lay the short number with Washington…23-20