The Denver Broncos have had an incredibly disappointing season but so have their Week 9 opponents, the Cleveland Browns. The team that wins on Sunday may leave with a sliver of hope for the rest of 2019 and the loser will be looking at prospects in next year’s draft.
At 2-6, the Broncos certainly expected to be in a better position this year, but bad penalties at crucial junctures of close games have been their undoing. The Browns were hyped up by some as a Super Bowl contender due to their offseason additions, but now don’t even look like a playoff team in a pretty weak AFC.
So, what can we expect from this game? Here are four things to look for.
1. Brandon Allen
Allen is a true unknown for the Broncos after being claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Rams. Many fans in Denver have never seen him in action.
Will the trend of bad quarterback play for the Broncos continue, or are fans in for a big surprise with this guy?
2. Can the Broncos force some turnovers?
The Browns have been a turnover machine this season and forcing them into more might be Denver’s best chance to win this game.
The Browns have turned the ball over 17 times this season. Only the New York Giants have turned it over more. Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield has been prone to forcing throws, leading to interceptions.
If the Broncos can force him into some bad throws that lead to turnovers, it could go a long way toward them winning this one.
3. Chris Harris vs. Odell Beckham
One of the best cornerbacks in the league will be on one side of the field and one of the best wide receivers will be on the other. Chris Harris has also stated that he looks forward to this matchup.
Odell Beckham has had a pretty quiet season, his first with the Browns. He has 34 catches for 488 yards and just one touchdown. Harris will look to help keep him quiet on Sunday.
4. How will Broncos handle the late stages?
The Broncos would have beaten the Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars and Indianapolis Colts without some terrible blunders in the late stages of each of those games in the form of personal foul penalties.
With those wins, the Broncos would be looking at a completely different season right now, so better discipline is necessary.
Should the Browns be rallying for a lead late in the fourth quarter or even on the game’s final drive, will the Broncos play with better discipline?
