In a column for Sports Illustrated, Grant Chachere and Doug Joubert split predictions for the upcoming matchup between the New Orleans Saints and the Cleveland Browns at noon Sunday.
The Saints enter the contest with a 2-5 record following a bye week, while the Browns hold an unexpected 5-3 start.
Grant Chachere predicts a 24-10 win for New Orleans, arguing that the Browns starting Shedeur Sanders instead of Deshaun Watson benefits the Saints. Chachere notes that while Watson has been one of the league’s better quarterbacks, Sanders starting makes the Cleveland offense less of a threat despite receiving options like wide receiver Denzel Boston and tight end Harold Fannin.
Chachere also points to the return of left tackle Kelvin Banks from an ankle injury and the debut of rookie wide receiver and first-round pick Jordyn Tyson after a hamstring injury as factors that increase the Saints’ odds of winning. Chachere warns that a loss would create more questions for head coach Kellen Moore and general manager Mickey Loomis.
Doug Joubert publishes a differing prediction of a 28-17 Browns victory, stating the Saints have not improved over the first half of the season. Joubert highlights recent roster and coaching changes, including firing the run game coordinator, bringing in Charlie Smyth as kicker, and cutting fourth-year running back Kendre Miller the day before the game.
Joubert acknowledges the return of Kelvin Banks Jr. from injured reserve and Jordyn Tyson’s debut, but remains skeptical about the running game and defense’s ability to stop the run. While recognizing that Shedeur Sanders starting for Cleveland is a step back from Watson, Joubert concludes that the Saints have too much to prove to expect a win.
