The Arizona Cardinals stand as the last undefeated team in the NFL at 5-0.
The Cleveland Browns arrive back home after a disappointing loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
The teams last met in 2019 when the Cardinals beat the Browns 38-24.
Which team will prevail?
Let’s take a look at our writer’s bold predictions for this Sunday’s matchup.
Writer: Wendi Oliveros
The Arizona Cardinals will get their first loss of the season on Sunday at the hands of the Cleveland Browns.
Why do I think so?
It is highly unlikely the Arizona Cardinals are going 17-0 in 2021.
They are more vulnerable on the road.
Kyler Murray has been outstanding with over 1500 passing yards and 100 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.
But the Cardinals only scored 17 points last week against the 49ers.
That is an offensive slump for a team used to putting 30 or more on the scoreboard each week.
Meanwhile, the Browns are still trying to deal with the fallout from their loss to the Chargers last week.
This is the comeback game for them with excellent play all around.
My Prediction: Browns 25, Cardinals 17
Writer: Ben Donahue
Last week’s loss to the Chargers was extremely disappointing.
Just when it looked like the Browns were clicking on all cylinders, the entire engine fell apart.
Things don’t get any easier this week with Arizona coming to town.
The Cardinals are the only undefeated team in the NFL at 5-0.
Currently, Arizona has the fourth-best offense in the league with 31.4 points per game.
They boast the sixth-best defense, giving up only 19 points per game.
Quarterback Kyler Murray is a dual-threat nightmare.
Kyler Murray has joined Drew Brees (2018) and Peyton Manning (2013) as the only players in NFL history with at least 1,500 passing yards and a completion percentage of 75.0+ through his team’s first five games. pic.twitter.com/jNQ2wo2rJA
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) October 12, 2021
Just when you think he’s pinned behind the line of scrimmage, Murray escapes for 20 yards.
Murray has no less than five dependable receivers to choose from, including former Bengal AJ Green and the always dangerous DeAndre Hopkins.
The Cardinals defense is tough (although former Texan JJ Watt has yet to pick up a sack).
Here’s what it comes down to for Cleveland.
There can be no defensive lapses, no dropped passes, no draw plays on third and long against Arizona.
The Browns need their ‘A’ game in order to escape with a win.
Because the game is in front of the Dawg Pound, I’ll give an upset victory to the Browns.
My Prediction: Browns 31, Cardinals 30
Writer: Pat Opperman
Cleveland faces another pass-heavy offense with a defense that struggles against the run.
Things didn’t work out so well against a similar team in Los Angeles.
But there is hope for a better outcome against the Arizona Cardinals.
Defensive coordinator Joe Woods says he expects to have a full set of cornerbacks available.
The return of Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome bolsters the secondary.
And the entire defensive line practiced on Thursday, another good sign for the defense.
But the biggest boost will come from the Cleveland Browns’ faithful cheering and screaming.
And rumors of a BA-KER-MAY-FIELD chant ready to greet the team will only elevate the intensity.
The last undefeated team in the NFL is walking into a buzz saw.
My Prediction: Browns 34, Cardinals 20
Writer: Mark Bergin
The Cleveland Browns luck out for Sunday’s game considering the Arizona Cardinals will be without two All-Pro players.
Edge rusher Chandler Jones and center Rodney Hudson are not expected to play in Week 6.
Jones tested positive for COVID-19 and Hudson is out with a rib injury.
Entering Week 6, the Browns lead the NFL in rushing at 187.6 yards per game.
Meanwhile, the Cardinals defense allows 139 rushing yards per game, which ranks 28th in the NFL.
Coming off a 47-42 loss in Week 5 against the Los Angeles Chargers, I think the Browns will look to control the clock, dominate the line of scrimmage and keep Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray off the field.
My Prediction: Browns 31, Cardinals 24
Writer: Rocco Nuosci
There’s no time to sulk over last Sunday for the Cleveland Browns.
The undefeated Arizona Cardinals come into northeast Ohio for what will be Cleveland’s toughest test of the season so far.
Friday, it was revealed that running back Nick Chubb would not be available for Sunday’s contest.
Kareem Hunt will see a ton of carries.
However, Baker Mayfield has a chance to silence some critics.
If the game falls on his shoulders and he delivers, people will take notice.
He’s limited with his offensive weapons, so finding a way to win would be that much more meaningful.
Two offensive stars for Arizona, Kyler Murray and Deandre Hopkins, both will play but could be limited due to injury.
It’s a tough Cardinals team, but a vulnerable one.
My Prediction: Browns 27, Cardinals 21
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Gooooo Browns
Looks like Baker can lose games single handedly. And the D Backs just need lessons in D Backing because there’s always space between their receiver and them. Always. And I thought they’d be a strength. after the LA pick ups. Lookin Sad.