Jeff Lloyd
This is a difficult test as the Patriots haven’t allowed an opposing running back to cross the 50-yard barrier. Drake Maye faces a defense his own coach described as the toughest they’ve seen. Cleveland has to have some faith that Dillon Gabriel and the passing game can contribute as New England is vulnerable there. The Browns defense shows up yet again, and the offense finds just enough success.
Cleveland 19, New England 17
Jack Duffin
I’m expecting to see more progress and another solid performance from the Browns. A surprise win for Cleveland is certainly within the range of outcomes.
The Pats' strength is their passing game, and ideally, the Browns can shut it down with their pass rush and defensive backs. Campbell has been great through two weeks and hopefully can keep building on this.
The Browns will likely want to keep running the ball and build on a good performance from the offensive line last week. Hopefully, Njoku will be healthy this week, as the tight ends are the entire passing game currently.
Browns 17, Patriots 24
Drake Maye
Drake Maye deserves the opportunity to be humbled. (Photo: Getty)
Sam Penix
The Browns will hopefully be able to show some development coming off an impressive defensive performance last week, but they haven't faced a QB of Drake Maye's caliber since Week 2. The offense scored three touchdowns but struggled to run against the worst rushing defense in the NFL, so my hopes aren't too high against a much better team this week.
Browns 10, Patriots 27
Fred Greetham
This is a hard test to gauge for the Browns. The Patriots are 5-2, but have one quality win, over the Bills. They are building momentum and playing confidently, so the Browns are going to have to play opportunistic defense again and set up the offense to score. The running game could be limited as the Patriots are only giving up 77 yards a game, better than the Browns (82.4). The Browns are going to have to do something they have not done—have success in the passing game with a rookie quarterback. With that said, with a bye week after this game, a win would be huge for the Browns to go into the bye at 3-5 in the topsy-turvy AFC North with the Jets coming up after the bye.
Browns 17, Patriots 21
Joe Cantz
This will be a tough test on all fronts for the Browns. Patriots quarterback Drake Maye is playing exceptionally well, and the offense will need to keep pace. The Browns have to win the turnover battle again to have a chance. The defense should be targeting Pats running back Rhamondre Stevenson, who has eight fumbles in the last season and a half. If they can force a fumble or two and throw off Drake Maye using similar exotic blitzes that led Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to throw three interceptions last week, the Browns may have a chance. Otherwise, it’ll come down to the offense, which has not yet shown enough to be the catalyst for a win.
Patriots 24, Browns 14
Pete Smith
Until the Browns show evidence of a viable passing game, it's difficult to project them to beat capable opponents, especially on the road. The Patriots have a stout run defense, and opponents have been willing to sell out to stop the run and force Dillon Gabriel to beat them. He's been effective in protecting the ball, but needs to take advantage of the opportunities in front of him. Meanwhile, the defense has to prove itself on the road. That unit could utilize some of the tweaks they displayed against the Miami Dolphins to create problems for second-year quarterback Drake Maye, potentially leading to turnovers. The Browns could keep it close, but they will need to score at least 20 to win.
Patriots 24, Browns 19
Michael Keefe
If the beginning of the Browns' schedule has been a gauntlet, as so many of us have called it, the beginning of the Patriots' schedule has been the rainbow path to King Kandy's Castle. The Patriots, while having a very impressive win over Buffalo, have been gifted some of the worst teams in the NFL en route to this 5-2 record. And, based on the way the Browns have played to this point, that doesn't appear to be changing. But I believe the Browns will make a statement in Foxboro. Quinshon Judkins will surpass 100 yards rushing, the offense will look balanced, the defense will force Drake Maye into turnovers that he's avoided to this point, and the Cleveland Browns will walk out of Foxboro and into the BYE with a win.
Browns 22, Patriots 16
Barry McBride
I'm already on record as being optimistic about this game, so I should protect myself from embarrassment should the Browns do Brownsy things Sunday by predicting a loss. But I won't. I'm going to stick to my guns and believe that the Browns' display against the Dolphins was as much a turnaround in their play as Miami being incredibly putrid. The turnovers continue to come, Gabriel takes a step forward, and Drake Maye regresses to the mean.
Browns 23, Patriots 20