After starting off the season 2-4 the Patriots have found their stride, winners of their last 3. Like the Patriots, the Browns come into Sunday's matchup with a 5-4 record and are fresh off a 41-16 thumping of in-state as well as divisional rival Cincinnati Bengals. The Browns will be without star running back Nick Chubb, who tested positive for Covid earlier this week. The Patriots currently hold the final playoff spot in a wide open AFC, while the Browns are on the outside looking in. Here are some keys to the game for both teams. 

First off for the Patriots. The Browns have the number three overall defense in the NFL and are at least top ten in just about every major statistical category. Myles Garret is a huge part of that. Garret has recorded a league leading 12 sacks this year to go along with 20 solo tackles. Jadevon Clowney on the other side of that Browns defensive line is no scrub and is one of those guys who is always capable of making a game changing play. Key number one for the Patriots in my eyes this week is slowing those guys down. Trent Brown will be appearing in his first game since he sustained a calf injury in week one against the Dolphins should be able to help the Patriots do just that. 

Another key for the Patriots is Brandon Bolden. Yes you read that right. Brandon Bolden is on pace to set a career high in rushing yards, and has already set a career high in receiving yards.  Damien Harris out with a concussion. Rhomadrde Stevenson is still in the concussion protocol and questionable to play, so it’s most likely going to be up to Bolden and J.J. Taylor to take some pressure off of Mac Jones.  Even if Stevenson plays, I don’t see his workload being too big coming out of the concussion protocol. 

First key for the Browns is for Baker Mayfield to be careful throwing anywhere near J.C. Jackson. The Patriots secondary as a whole has been a good unit in 2021, but Jackson has been on a different level. Jackson is 2nd in the NFL with five interceptions this year, and is tied for the league lead with 12 passes defended. Jackson has played like a true CB1 and Baker Mayfield will have to proceed with caution when throwing anywhere near him.

Last key for the Browns is getting a productive game from D’ernest Johnson. Like the Patriots, the Browns are shorthanded in the backfield as they will be without Nick Chubb. Johnson has carried the ball just 37 times so far this year, but should see his workload go up this week. 

My pick: I think this is a coin flip game, both teams have had some ups and downs this year. I’ll give the Patriots a slight edge at home. 27-21 Patriots.