Tennessee Titans Vs Cleveland Browns preview

Two 8-3 teams with top tier running offences in primetime with playoff positions on the line. Big things expected from the game of the week.

CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 8, 2019: Offensive guard Rodger Saffold #76 of the Tennessee Titans blocks middle linebacker Joe Schobert #53 of the Cleveland Browns in the first quarter of a game on September 8, 2019 at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. Tennessee won 43-13. (Photo by: 2019 Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)

By Alex WoodDecember 5, 2020 5:18 PM ET

Since both these teams last met in September of 2019 a lot has changed.

For the Tennessee Titans being two quarters away from the SuperBowl was their highlight. For the Cleveland Browns, it was yet another general manager and head coaching hire.

With the 2020 season, every NFL fan knew it was going to be different whether it was due to Covid-19 or some undetermined factor.

With the Titans, it was a quarterback who was okay to let the running game shine and could dominate through the air when called upon.

For the Browns, it is a head coach and staff who knows how to make them into a winning team. Kevin Stefanski has done that, and the Browns have a winning record heading into week 13 for the first time since 2006.

Top two running offences meet.

Coming into week 13 the Browns have the number one rated running offence in the league while the Titans have number two.

This is down to three superstars. For the Browns, they have the best one-two combination in the league in Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. For the Titans they have last seasons rushing yard champion and the current leader in rushing in Derrick Henry.

Between all three of the stars, they have combined for more touchdowns than three NFL teams: The New York Jets, Denver Broncos and New York Giants.

Henry historically gets better as the season goes on and the Browns can switch out their running back for equal effect at any time. It proves to be an even match up in terms of running, with Henry rushing for over 100 yards in four of his last five weeks and Chubb five of his previous seven. Both are going to get yards.

Defending the run is not the Titans strong suit as they rank average on run defence. The Browns, however, have a top 10 run defence even with allowing Jacksonville Jaguar running back James Robinson 178 yards last week.

Both teams know what the other is going to do, and the battle will be intriguing.

Airing it out

If both teams do decide to change it up and air the ball out capable Quarterbacks and weapons are readily available.

Ryan Tannehill has the better tape this season between himself and Baker Mayfield. Mayfield at times has looked shook in the pocket. Now whether the former number one pick in the draft can take this Browns team to the next level is a conversation for another day. But Compared to Tannehill, Mayfield is second fiddle.

The weapons at Mayfield's deposal should, however, make you seriously think that the Browns can pull off an upset against the heavily favoured Titans. Jarvis Landry, Austin Hooper and Rashard Higgins up against AJ Brown, Jonnu Smith and Corey Davis gives balance to the battle.

The Verdict

With the frantic running game and better quarterback, the Titans should win this game without question.

Although a lot of people have said that about the Browns this season and only one team outside the AFC North has beaten them this season Las vegas Radiers have that scalp.

The Titans deal with late-season antics correctly, and their players know when to get hot.

The Titans will get hot and run down the Browns who are a playoff team but not on the Titans level.

Final Score: Tennessee Titans 35-21Cleveland Browns