The Cleveland Browns continue their surprising start to the season, looking like a team preparing for the playoffs for the first time since 2002. Cleveland is looking for its first 8-3 start since the 1994 season, the last time the franchise won a playoff game. . The roadblock for the Browns this week are the Jacksonville Jaguars, losing nine straight games after winning their first game of the season. Jacksonville has only started a 1-10 season once (2014) as the Jaguars look to avoid losing 10 in a row for the second time in franchise history (2012 to 2013).
Can the Browns continue to win against one of the worst teams in the NFL? Will the Jaguars give the Browns a game and potentially pull off the surprise? We’ll find out soon, but here’s everything you need to know for this AFC clash.
How to watch
Dated: Thursday November 26 | Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: TIAA Bank Field (Jacksonville, Florida)
TV: CBS | Current: CBS All Access
To follow: CBS Sports app
Prediction
The Browns haven’t been impressive in their last two games, but they’ve won. Cleveland won those two games despite scoring just 32 points, largely due to inclement weather conditions. Baker Mayfield hasn’t thrown a touchdown pass since Week 7, but the Browns quarterback hasn’t thrown an interception since this week either – one reason the Browns aren’t fighting. Nick Chubb is one of the main reasons the Browns have destroyed opponents with a record under .500 this year, as Cleveland’s rushing offense averages 197.7 yards per game and 5, 4 yards per attempt in the six games he’s played – sporting a 5-1 record.
The Jaguars are set to start their third quarter this season with Mike Glennon, who is set to make his first start since 2018 with the Chicago Bears. Glennon has a lot of offensive work to do for the Jaguars, a unit that ranks among the NFL’s bottom four in points and yards per game. The Jaguars’ defense is no better, allowing the league’s second-most yards per game this season – although they have improved by allowing an average of 380.7 yards per game in the last three games. (up from 424.4 in their first seven). James Robinson was the bright spot in Jacksonville, leading all NFL rookies in rushing yards (762) and scrimmage yards (1011).
Jacksonville’s run defense has actually played well in the last three games, allowing no more than 107 rushing yards in any of those competitions. Cleveland will continue to commit to Chubb and Kareem Hunt, but it should be a game that Mayfield ends his touchdown drought. The Jaguars have allowed 21 touchdowns this year (sixth worst in the NFL) and 7.9 yards per attempt (second worst in the NFL). The Browns are 6-0 against teams with a losing record.
To choose: Maroons 27, Jaguars 14
Check out CBSSports.com for even more expert predictions on this game and the rest of Week 12.
