The Cleveland Browns have developed an effective formula for victory, even though it might be a little precarious and leaves a lot to be desired. They are able to keep their games close, and then they find a way to win, with quarterback Deshaun Watson leading the rally.
It doesn’t work every time, as was proven in a 27-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers this past Sunday. But now, Cleveland may be able to try something different.
Insider Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN revealed one key stat that could favor the Browns in Week 9, pointing out that their opponent, the New Orleans Saints, are an even worse first-quarter team than they are.
“The Browns’ Week 9 road game against the Saints will pit two of the slowest-starting teams in the NFL against each other. Cleveland has scored 13 points in the first quarter, which ranks 31st in the league. Only New Orleans has scored fewer points in the first quarter (6),” Oyefusi posted.
The Browns’ Week 9 road game against the Saints will pit two of the slowest-starting teams in the NFL against each other.
Cleveland has scored 13 points in the first quarter, which ranks 31st in the league. Only New Orleans has scored fewer points in the first quarter (6).
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) November 3, 2026
Cleveland has been outscored 65-13 in the first quarter this season, a minus-52 point differential that is the worst in the NFL. New Orleans has been outscored 44-6 for a minus-38 point differential.
Both teams have been much better in the second quarter, with the Browns scoring 53 points in their eight games, and the Saints scoring 47 in their seven contests. It is worth noting that New Orleans has scored 103 points in the second half, which is tied for ninth in the league and could make another Cleveland comeback much more difficult if that is the path it is forced to take.
Watson has led a fourth-quarter scoring drive in each of the Browns’ victories this season. Three of those games have been won by a field goal from Andre Szmyt, and Cleveland’s aggregate margin of victory of 16 points was the lowest in history for a 5-2 team this century.
With the Browns a 1.5-point betting underdog, this is projected to be another close game, which could benefit Cleveland. Only one of New Orleans’ games has been decided by fewer than six points, so the Saints may not be familiar enough with that situation to be successful.
After playing their third straight road game, the Browns will return home to face the Houston Texans in Week 10 before their bye week.
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