The Las Vegas Raiders stormed out of Cleveland with a win in 2020, but this season has a lot more on the line for both teams.
The Raiders have lost four of their last five, while the Browns just took down AFC powerhouse and division rival the Baltimore Ravens. With a win and a Baltimore loss, the Browns have a chance to slide into first place in the AFC North. On the other hand, a win for the Raiders might keep their slight playoff hopes alive.Â
In a game with a lot on the line, here are three Cleveland players on offense to keep an eye on.
Nick Chubb, RB
Cleveland has shown the NFL this season that their run game is nearly unstoppable. Nick Chubb has been one of the most explosive running backs in football for the second year in a row, and as the Browns continue their playoff push, he won’t be slowing down anytime soon.Â
Chubb has had four 100-yard rushing games this season, including a season high of 161 rush yards in Week 5. He is coming off one of his quieter games of the season, having just 59 rushing yards last week.
The Raiders’ rush defense has continuously ranked in the bottom tier of the league, making Chubb one of the most prevalent players to game plan for, assuming he’ll be good to go.
David Njoku, TE
It’s no secret the Browns have had their share of receiver blues this season. After releasing wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., Baker Mayfield has relied heavily on his tight ends. This week, the Browns will potentially be without Jarvis Landry and Austin Hooper due to COVID-19.Â
Njoku has racked up just 27 receptions for 407 yards and three touchdowns this season, but look for his targets to increase exponentially this week. Again, this is assuming he’ll be playing given the news surrounding the Browns and their Covid-19 issues.Â
Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR
Like I said before, the Browns are being ravaged by COVID this week, opening the door for players that don’t often get a lot of love. With Jarvis Landry on the COVID list, Peoples-Jones has a chance to shine on Sunday.
Peoples-Jones has already surpassed his 2020 season numbers through just 13 games in 2021. His targets have increased noticeably as he proves to Baker he can step in as a reliable wide receiver.
The game plan in Cleveland will no doubt be extremely different this week due to the number of players they are missing. This game could be the turning point for players like Peoples-Jones as they look to show the world they can make an impact in a tight situation.
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*Top Photo: Charlie Riedel/Associated Press