New Orleans Saints vs Cleveland Browns Prediction & Picks - NFL

Prediction published on 11/6/26, 1:00 PM  by Bill Christy | Modified on 11/7/26 at 8:07 AM in NFL Picks

The Browns are simply not the Browns anymore, or so it may seem. The 5-3 Cleveland Browns have surprised many to this point and will take their talents to New Orleans to face the Saints on Sunday afternoon.

The big story heading into this game is that the Browns will be starting Shedeur Sanders under center. Starter, DeShaun Watson is currently in concussion protocol after losing to the rival Steelers last week. Watson had been playing some decent football through the 1st 8 games of the season and games in which typical Browns teams of the past would find ways to lose, they have been able to find ways to win. That said, it has been mainly the defense that has lifted this team to their early success. They are holding teams to an average of just 21.6 points per game, which is 13th best in the league. That makes up for an offense that is 29th in the league with a 17.4 points per game average.

It has been a rocky start for the Saints to this point in the season. Standing at 2-5, they are at the bottom of the division, and have a large task if they want to get back into the playoff picture. They are coming off the bye, but lost their previous game to the same opponent as the Browns had in their last game, the Steelers. On the season, the defense has been the biggest issue for this Saints team. They are 29th in the league, and are allowing almost 28 points per game. On the other side of the ball, Tyler Shough has had success under center and is likely to remain QB for the future. He will be tested in this one against a strong Cleveland defense.