Los Angeles Chargers vs. Cleveland Browns Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 3rd 2024

Preview and Prediction

Earlier this month, Jameis Winston was not given much thought by the Cleveland Browns as they had a full roster of quarterbacks available.

However, the injury of Deshaun Watson and Dorian Thompson-Robinson's finger injury in the same game on October 20th changed the situation, giving 30-year-old Winston a chance to shine.

In his first start in over 25 months, Winston impressed last weekend and will now try to replicate his performance as the Browns take on the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.

Winston brushed off any rust and threw for 334 yards and three touchdowns in a 29-24 victory against the Baltimore Ravens.

His stellar performance led Browns coach Kevin Stefanski to declare him as the starter for the remainder of the season.

But Winston remains focused on one thing only, saying, "My main goal is to continue leading this offense and performing to the best of our abilities."

There was a time when Winston was the face of a franchise. As the first overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft, he started in 70 regular-season games over five seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

However, his results were inconsistent and the Buccaneers decided to move on after he led the league in both passing yards (5,109) and interceptions (30) in the 2019 season.

Winston then spent four seasons with the New Orleans Saints, starting in 10 games. He joined the Browns as a free agent in March, knowing that Watson would be the starting quarterback.

Now, with the Browns struggling at 2-6, Winston will play a crucial role in their playoff hopes.

His second start will be against the Chargers (4-3), who have been successful in limiting opposing offenses. They currently lead the league in scoring defense, allowing just 13 points per game, and are ranked eighth in total defense, giving up an average of 305.4 yards per game.

But Winston is not intimidated by the challenge, saying, "Our guys are tough and ready for anything. That's what football is all about. The Chargers have some talented players, but I have full confidence in my team."

Last weekend, the Chargers put on a strong performance in a 26-8 win against the New Orleans Saints, which was only their second victory since September 15th.

Quarterback Justin Herbert threw for 279 yards and two touchdowns against the Saints, following a season-high of 349 yards in a loss to the Arizona Cardinals just six days earlier.

One of the standout players in the game was rookie receiver Ladd McConkey, who had six receptions for 111 yards and two touchdowns. McConkey, a second-round pick from Georgia, has impressed both his coach and teammates.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh praised McConkey's abilities, while Herbert sees a bright future for the young receiver. "He's a complete player," Herbert said. "He's been great in the short and intermediate routes, especially on third downs. Now, with the deep ball threat, we have a real talent on our hands."

The Chargers' pass rusher Joey Bosa returned to the field on a limited basis against the Saints after missing three games due to a hip injury.

However, Bosa was limited in practice on Wednesday. Tight ends Will Dissly (shoulder) and Stone Smartt (ankle), linebacker Denzel Perryman (toe), and cornerback Kristian Fulton (hamstring) all missed practice.

For the Browns, linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah will miss the game due to a neck injury. He was carted off the field during last week's game against the Ravens and spent the night in the hospital.

Cornerback Denzel Ward is currently in concussion protocol and missed practice on Wednesday. Head coach Stefanski stated that his status is day-by-day. Other players who missed practice were guard Joel Bitonio (foot), middle linebacker Jordan Hicks (elbow/triceps), and defensive end Za'Darius Smith (illness).

The Chargers have won the last four meetings between the two teams.

PREDICTION

Los Angeles Chargers

22

19

Cleveland Browns

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Cleveland Browns Recap NOV 3TH 2024