Welcome to silly season! Much of the talk last week was about how pivotal the Browns-Steelers game was if there was to be any hope for the Browns' season moving forward. And, entirely predictably, in that pivotal game, the Browns were never a threat. So, after just six weeks, we're on to the 11-game countdown until the end of the season and we're officially on draft pick watch. In this week's matchup, the Browns have a very winnable game. The Dolphins are in shambles. They're bad defensively, and while they have speed and skill offensively, it hasn't been enough to propel them to wins, especially after the loss of Tyreek Hill. Still, with Tua, Achane, and Waddle, I think the Dolphins will be able to find enough offense to get them their second win of the season. It doesn't seem to matter right now whether the Browns are playing the Packers, the Dolphins, or the St. Chris Knights, there is just no reason to believe they're going to figure out the offensive side of the ball. Bring on the draft talk.
**Dolphins 18, Browns 11**
SAM PENIX
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I don't feel good about picking the Browns, because it feels like at no point this season have they been able to do what they're supposed to do. On paper, they **should** be able to take care of business against Miami, an organization in a tailspin that surpasses Cleveland. The Browns should be able to take advantage of one of the worst OLs in the league and win with their defense and ground game, but it also wouldn't surprise me at all if the Dolphins pull off the upset. If that were to happen, things will get ugly in Cleveland.
**Browns 17, Dolphins 14**
JACK DUFFIN
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This might be the most important Browns game I can remember outside of a playoff game. It genuinely feels like a poor, lacking performance could cost Kevin Stefanski his job immediately after or during the bye week.
Unless he loses the locker room, I believe they are best placed keeping Stefanski in place until the end of the year. While you hope he can turn it around in that time, they also set themselves up as a team to attract better candidates. You’re the team that gave a Head Coach six seasons and moved on, rather than an in-season firing chaos where people just say "Same old Browns".
If the Browns had a stable OL of Robinson, Bitonio, Pocic, Teller and Conklin, I think they are in the discussion for around league average, which can be enough, although not ideal. The wide receivers and the drops really have to stop. While my wife jokes they need to practice pass and catch all week in training, she’s not wrong.
I think they turn it around, but I wouldn’t be shocked if it’s another offensive flop. Knowing the Browns, they draw this and then comfortably beat the Pats because it’s always what you expect least of.
**Browns 20, Dolphins 17**
JEFF LLOYD
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There really is nothing here between the opponent, the game being in Cleveland, and the weather forecast that does not aid the Cleveland Browns. The Dolphins are the worst team in the NFL against the run, which is the best thing the Cleveland Browns offense does right now. While Dolphins RB Devin Achane is formidable, this Browns defense should have the upper hand. This is looking like a football game where style points gets thrown out of the window, and you do everything you can to come out victorious.
**Browns 19, Dolphins 10**
FRED GREETHAM
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The Browns will finally have an offensive explosion, scoring at least 20 points for the first time and securing a much-needed win. If the weather conditions are as forecasted, it might make the Browns run their offense through Quinshon Judkins, instead of the rookie quarterback in the rain and wind. The defense will step up to keep the Dolphins in check.
**Browns 23, Dolphins 19**
JOE CANTZ
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The weather allows the Browns to lean on talented rookie running back Quinshon Judkins to lead them to a desperately needed second win. The Dolphins are in complete disarray as a team, and head coach Mike McDaniel is the odds-on favorite to be the next coach fired; it’s up to the Browns to take advantage. The defense shows up in a big way in the elements, winning the turnover battle in an ugly weather game. Defensive tackle Mason Graham has his best day as a pro yet, showing why the Browns invested the fifth overall pick in him.
**Browns 21, Dolphins 14**
PETE SMITH
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Ridiculous weather will ruin another home game for the Browns, making people yearn for dome football in Northeast Ohio. Nevertheless, the Browns defense is at home and plays better there. The Browns may have an edge because they simply want to win more than the Dolphins.
**Browns 6, Dolphins 0**
BARRY MCBRIDE
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I'd like to predict this as a breakout game for Dillon Gabriel, who is better than he's shown so far, but the Browns still don't have an offensive line to protect him, or wide receivers who can get open. Nope. Well, that's going to slow things down. But after three straight weeks of dealing with quarterbacks with quick releases, the Browns defense is ready for Tua, and the bad conditions won't help him. This one is Achane vs. Judkins, and the Browns defense is simply better at stopping the run.
**Browns 19, Dolphins 14**