Why Ali picked the Browns: This matchup of AFC also-rans — which features the two least-efficient offenses in the league — surprisingly has a number of intriguing storylines, with the biggest, ironically, related to offense. Of course, I’m referring to the first NFL meeting between rookies Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders. Ward, selected first overall, has had a forgettable Year 1, ranking last (or very close to it) in completion percentage, yards per attempt, passer rating and sacks taken. As a direct result, Tennessee has averaged the fewest points per game (14.2) and has the NFL’s worst point-differential (-13.2). Sanders, the draft’s 144th selection, hasn’t fared that much better, albeit he’s had far fewer opportunities (three games played, two starts). Although he’s already connected on twice as many pass plays of 30+ yards as Cleveland totaled from Weeks 1-11 (4 to 2), he’s also completed just 50 percent of his attempts and holds a negative EPA per dropback. He’s also benefited from facing three of the four worst pressure units in the league (Ravens, Raiders and 49ers) to start his NFL journey; the Titans rank 24th. Ward, however, will not be as fortunate on Sunday, which leads us into Storyline No. 2: Myles Garrett. The DPOY front-runner, who captains a Browns defense that ranks fourth in pressure rate and second in yards allowed, needs just four more sacks to surpass the single-season record (Michael Strahan, T.J. Watt tied at 22.5). And then there are the draft implications (Storyline No. 3), with both teams currently holding top-five picks. See, plenty going on in this game! Ultimately, though, the subplots that matter most to the final outcome are the Titans’ offensive shortcomings and the Browns’ defensive dominance. Garrett & Co. are good enough to shoulder the load in this one.
