ESPN analyst makes bold Browns prediction for Week 13 vs. 49ers originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Cleveland Browns fans have had something the get excited about in the last few weeks, as Shedeur Sanders has finally found his way to the starting quarterback and Myles Garrett is on an all-time sack heater over the last four weeks.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSanders is starting in Week 13 against the San Francisco 49ers, and Garrett gets to go up against Brock Purdy and a shaky 49ers offense in what's projected to be rainy and windy conditions in Cleveland.
For ESPN analyst Ben Solak, these factors, especially the weather and the strong Browns defense, had him making a bold prediction that fans shouldn't be surprised if Cleveland beats the 49ers in Week 13.
ESPN analyst predicts Browns to beat 49ers in Week 13
"Don't be surprised if the Browns upset the 49ers," Solak writes. "On a rainy and windy day in Cleveland, the elite Browns defense will be favored."
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThere is a distinct roster and talent advantage in favor of the 49ers, with Purdy, McCaffrey, George Kittle, Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsal, and Trent Williams making up a strong offense.
But, in potentially sloppy conditions, and after Purdy's rough Week 12 outing, where he threw three interceptions in the first half, the Browns might have a realistic chance to win.
With this game likely being a low-scoring one, the winner could be decided based on one or two big plays. Garrett could force a fumble on a sack or repeatedly set the offense back a few steps with his pressure and sack totals.
More: Browns' Myles Garrett makes NFL history with six-season sack streak
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWhile Solak isn't outright predicting a Browns win, he's urging fans not to be surprised if Cleveland wins this matchup.
The 49ers are one game away from their Week 14 bye, and while they've gotten a few key pieces back on offense, there are still some concerns going forward in San Francisco.
Against Garrett, whose 18 sacks are wildly better than the 49ers' 13 total sacks this season, the Kyle Shanahan offense will face an uphill battle. And when adding the poor weather on top of it, almost anything could happen during this Week 13 matchup in Cleveland.
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