Browns still optimistic of winning with some key players out

On Sunday, the visiting Cleveland Browns and the Denver Broncos will try to extend their individual season-long winning streaks at the opposing team’s expense.

In actuality, the Broncos (5-5) are attempting to capture their first winning five-game run since the 2015 campaign. Denver has a plus-11 turnover margin on its current winning run and is tied for sixth in the NFL with a plus-6 season total.

The Browns (7-3) are now within half a game of the Baltimore Ravens atop the AFC North after overcoming several injuries to win three straight games and five of six overall.

Last Sunday, Denver tied its record with a 21-20 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.

Courtland Sutton’s season touchdown total of eight, second only to Miami Dolphins wideout Tyreek Hill’s ten, was increased by a touchdown reception from Russell Wilson in his fifth consecutive game.

Wilson remarked on Wednesday, “He’s a special player, one of the best in the game.” “Courtland has demonstrated unwavering dedication to his craft, the game, and daily practice. His leadership is truly remarkable.” He’s among the best teammates there is.”

Sutton can become the first wide receiver for the Broncos to find the end zone in six straight games since Wes Welker (2013) if he scores a touchdown on Sunday.

The NFL’s top defense (243.3 yards allowed per game) and pass defense (143.7) await the Broncos, whose offense, rated 23rd, in a difficult matchup. In addition, Myles Garrett (league-leading 13 sacks) is a player who must be contained. Since 1982, just four players have had at least 13 sacks in four of their first seven NFL seasons.

In a 13-10 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson, making his second career start, completed four straight passes to set up Dustin Hopkins’ 34-yard field goal with two seconds remaining.

Following quarterback Deshaun Watson’s season-ending shoulder injury, Thompson-Robinson was thrust into the starting lineup and put up a far from perfect 24-for-43 for 165 yards and an interception.

The Browns signed Super Bowl XLVII MVP Joe Flacco this week to provide fifth-round UCLA pick Thompson-Robinson experienced guidance.

Thompson-Robinson, 24, acknowledged that Flacco’s presence does not pose a threat to him. To be exact, he called the 38-year-old’s acquisition “more of a blessing than anything” for the Browns.

Thompson-Robinson remarked, “Like I said, I’m asking him a bunch of questions.” “This morning, we were chopping it up a whole lot. It’s amazing that he’s now attending early meetings with me, P.J. Walker, and us, dude. Even though, as I mentioned, I’ve only known him for a little over a day, he’s already blended right in. Thus, I adore Joe. It’s been fantastic.”

On Sunday, safety Kareem Jackson won’t have to contend with Cleveland’s passing attack. Jackson’s four-game suspension was upheld on Tuesday in response to his hit on Vikings quarterback Joshua Dobbs.

P.J. Locke, a safety for Denver, was restricted during practice on Thursday and participated fully on Friday, although his status is listed as questionable. Defensive tackle D.J. Jones (knee) and inside linebacker Josey Jewell (back) will play on Sunday after practicing on Thursday and Friday. Running back Samaje Perine (back) also played.

Denzel Ward, the cornerback, and wide out Marquise Goodwin, the wide receiver, were ruled out of practice on Friday due to injuries. Anthony Walker, a middle linebacker, and Juan Thornhill, a free safety, are both classified as questionable due to hamstring injuries. Although he practiced on Thursday and Friday, inside linebacker Jordan Kunaszyk (knee) is still considered questionable.