Whether we like it or not, our Sunday of NFL tomfoolery begins with a morning game at Twickenham Stadium in London. The Minnesota Vikings (5-2) will take on the Cleveland Browns (0-7) in what should be the worst game of the week. So great way to grow the international brand, NFL.
If you do want to watch this one, you’ll have to set your alarm for 9:30 a.m. EST and tune in to the NFL Network.
The Game: Minnesota Vikings at Cleveland Browns (+9.5)
O/U: 38.0
The History
The Browns and Vikings have played just 15 games since 1965, with Minnesota leading the all time series 11-4.
The two teams met one time in the playoffs, with the Vikings beating the browns 27-7 in the 1970 NFL Championship (it would become the NFC Championship). Minnesota would go on to lose Super Bowl IV to the Kansas City Chiefs. Cleveland, along with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Colts would move to the AFC the next year.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS (5-2)
The Vikings have a pretty solid command of the NFC North and with the prospects of getting Teddy Bridgewater back before the end of the season, could actually win a playoff game before it’s over. Maybe. Hell, I’m not promising a miracle. We’ll see.
As it is, Minnesota has a game and a half lead in their division and have only dropped one division game, a 14-7 loss to the Detroit Lions. Last week’s victory over the Green Bay Packers separated them from the group a little. The Browns could help push them even further ahead Sunday.
It’s actually a good time for Cleveland to show up in the Vikings’ schedule. Quarterback Case Keenum is due for a kamikaze game and nearly had one last week. He completed 20 of 31 for 188 yards and a pick in a 24-16 win over the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens were in no position, especially on the road, to capitalize on Keenum’s futility. Neither will the Browns. So if Keenum is due a monstrous bed shitting, this could be the time to unleash the Kraken.
There is some good news for Minnesota’s offense. Stefon Diggs has practiced all week as has offensive tackle Riley Reiff. Keenum should have his full compliment of receivers out running routes for him to completely overthrow or hit in the feet.
CLEVELAND BROWNS (0-7)
For only the third time this season, Cleveland was actually in a game in the fourth quarter and even finished that final regulation period without losing. Instead, they waited until most of overtime was done before falling to the Tennessee Titans, 12-9.
At some point during the game head coach Hue Jackson had seen enough of DeShone Kizer and gave him the hook for Cody Kessler. Kessler didn’t do much better than Kizer and was sacked twice to Kizer’s none on his way to a 10 of 19 performance for 121 yards and a pick. Kizer, for what it’s worth (and that’s not a lot), was 12 of 20 for 114 yards and two picks. Jackson is calling Kizer’s number again this week so gird yourselves.
To make matters worse for the Browns last week, they got absolutely nothing from the run game. Isaiah Crowell carried the ball 17 times for 35 yards and the entire team just gained 66 on the ground. They made up for their lack of ground game with absolutely no passing game. Rookie tight end David Njoku caught two passes for 58 yards. Duke Johnson Jr. had six catches for 36 yards.
On defense, Cleveland picked up two sacks and had eight stops in the backfield. Unfortunately this week, the entire injury report is filled with defensive players. Myles Garrett is still in the concussion protocol and Jabril Peppers hasn’t practiced this week. Jason McCourty, Larry Ogunjobi and Trevon Coley have also all been held out.
The Pick
You have to believe, just like last season, the Browns will win at least one game this year. Unfortunately for Cleveland, it won’t be this one. Minnesota’s defense is just too strong and we’ll likely see two or more quarterbacks take the field for the Browns before the game is through. Vikings 27, Browns 13
This week
Straight up: 0-1
Against the spread: 0-1
Last week
Straight up: 12-3
Against the spread: 7-8
Season
Straight up: 60-46
Against the spread: 50-56
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