CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns (1-3) are desperate for a win as they remain on the road, taking on the Washington Commanders (3-1) in Week 5.
The Browns are coming off a bitter 20-16 loss against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4.
What follows is everything you need to know about the Browns’ Week 5 matchup.
Game info, how to watch on TV, betting line
- Date: Sunday, Oct. 6
- Time: 1 p.m.
- Location: Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland
- TV channel: Fox
- Radio: ESPN 850, 92.3 The Fan, 98.5 WNCX
- Betting line: -3.5 Commanders
- Over-under point total: 37.5
- Tickets: Ticketmaster
Preview
Sunday proves to be a must-win situation for the Cleveland Browns, who are already in danger of seeing their season collapse heading into Week 5.
The Browns' task of getting a win against Washington is daunting as the Commanders boast one of the league’s best offenses.
Washington’s rookie QB Jayden Daniels is an offensive leader, boasting a league-high 82.1% completion rate. He is averaging 224.3 yards per game and has thrown for three touchdowns. He has completed 87 out of 106 passing attempts this season.
However, Daniels will arguably face the best defense he has seen yet, having previously faced the Arizona Cardinals, Cincinnati Bengals, New York Giants and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Although the Browns’ defense isn’t as strong as it was last year, they are allowing 175.8 passing yards per game. In addition, they are only allowing their opponents to complete 58.7% of their passes. This could disrupt Daniels' routine passing abilities.
On the other hand, the Browns currently have one of the worst offenses in the league.
QB Deshaun Watson currently ranks last in the league with a QBR of 23.7. He has continued to struggle, throwing a mere 727 yards. While the team deals with O-line injuries, Watson has been sacked a league-high 19 times. There is hope for the Browns' O-line with Jedrick Wills and Ethan Pocic activated for Sunday. Tackle James Hudson is out with a shoulder injury. Jack Conklin, who returned to practice this week, is ruled out for the game.
It is worth noting that TE David Njoku is back in the lineup this week. Njoku returned to the practice field for the first time on Wednesday after suffering an ankle injury in Week 1 against the Cowboys.
Although he is ruled out for Sunday and could still be a week or two away from playing in the game, star RB Nick Chubb also returned to the practice field on Wednesday for the first time since suffering a season-ending knee injury last season in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
