Falcons vs Browns: What the Experts Are Saying

As the division leader in the NFC South, the Atlanta Falcons are playing a crucial game as anyone else out there in the NFL. And being that the Cleveland Browns are fiercely making a case for that wild card spot, they will be playing their hearts out as well.

But who will walk out with the win? This is the Falcons vs Browns!

NFL.com

"3026Key matchup: The Browns‘ secondary vs. Julio Jones and Roddy White. Joe Haden and Buster Skrine are having average seasons at best. While both are allowing a completion rate of less than 60 percent, they’ve given up nine touchdown receptions between them.X-factor:Devonta Freeman. Steven Jackson could be the choice here, but at some point, don’t the host Falcons need to see what they have in the rookie running back, who is averaging over half a yard more per carry than Jackson?Football weirdness: The little-known K’Waun Williams ranks higher (26th) than his teammates Skrine (56th) and the much-ballyhooed Haden (52nd) on ProFootballFocus.com’s ranking of corners. Williams has allowed less than 50 percent of throws his way to be completed. So much for pedigree. #CLEvsATL"

SB Nation

"The injuries along the defensive line, and the injuries to Jabaal Sheard and Karlos Dansby are contributors to my nervousness. However, the good outweigh the bad for me this week.My excitement level for Josh Gordon’s return is through the roof. My excitement level is also through the roof to see how this team responds to the dud from last week, as well as their matchup against a weak secondary.Why are you optimistic for Sunday?[Falcons lose, Browns win]"

RantSports

"The Falcons will put up a fight at home because their margin for error is tiny at this point. The Falcons’ record won’t be nearly good enough for a Wild Card spot, so becoming NFC South champs is the only way to the playoffs for Atlanta. Cleveland is coming off of a disappointing defeat at home after they had sole possession of first place for the first time in years. Losing first place won’t sit well with Cleveland, and they will correct some of the mistake they made last week.Because of the desperation factor, expect there to be plenty of points scored. The Falcons have done a great job to only concede 17 points in each of the last two weeks, but that trend will stop on Sunday. The Browns will score a lot of points and control the game. Hoyer will have a more accurate day passing and the Browns will run for over 100 yards as a team.The Falcons will have a few touchdowns of their own and keep it close, but ultimately it will be the Browns that win and move to 7-4, while the Falcons will slide down to 4-7.Final Score: Browns 31, Falcons 24"