NFL Sunday Night Football: Browns/Giants Preview

by Big Al Staff

Sunday, Dec 20, 2020
Sunday Night Football on NBC features a game with playoff implications for both teams.

Cleveland had their four-game winning streak snapped on Monday with their 47-42 loss at home to Baltimore as a 3-point underdog in one of the most exciting football games of the season. The Browns outgained the Ravens by a 493 to 385 yardage margin, but Lamar Jackson was able to outduel Baker Mayfield at quarterback.

The loss left Cleveland two games behind Pittsburgh for first place in the AFC North. With a 9-4 record, they join Tennessee and Indianapolis for the top wildcard spot in the AFC. The Browns own the tie-breaker with both those AFC South teams after beating both of them earlier in the season.

New York also had their four-game winning streak end last week with their 26-7 loss at home to Arizona as a 3-point underdog. The Giants managed only 159 yards in that game while allowing the Cardinals to rack up 390 total yards. Daniel Jones was back under center after missing the previous week with a hamstring injury. After getting sacked six times, Jones left the game with two separate injuries, which will keep him from starting tonight. Colt McCoy will be the starting quarterback for New York after leading them to victory two weeks ago against Seattle.

The Giants are one game behind Washington for first place in the NFC East with their 5-9 record. Despite their recent winning streak, New York has scored only 24 combined points in their last two games and 43 combined points in their previous three games.

Cleveland has scored over 40 points in two straight games. But the Browns defense has given up 82 combined points in their last two games and 107 combined points in their previous three contests.

The Giants have a COVID outbreak that will keep offensive coordinator Jason Garrett from calling plays in this game. Tight ends coach Freddie Kitchens will be the play-caller tonight against the team he was the head coach for last season. Cornerback James Bradberry is also out for this game with COVID leaving New York without their best defensive back.

The Giants have four players listed as questionable, including Jones with his hamstring and ankle injuries. Tight ends Evan Engram and Kaden Smith and offensive lineman Kevin Zeitler all participated in limited practice this week. Cornerback Darnay Holmes is out with a knee. New York has five other players either out the season or on Injured Reserve, including running back Saquon Barkley.

Cleveland has two players out in offensive lineman Wyatt Teller and safety Andrew Sendejo. Tight end Austin Hooper is questionable with a neck injury, but he did participate in full practice to end the week. Tight end David Njoku is questionable with a knee and did not take part in practice this week. Cornerbacks Denzel Ward and Kevin Johnson are questionable but did take part in limited practice. The Browns have five players out the season or on their Injured Reserve, including wide receiver Odell Beckham, cornerback Greedy Williams, and safety Ronnie Harrison.

BookMaker lists Cleveland as a 6.5-point road favorite with the total set at 44. Kickoff is at 8:20 PM ET.

All photographic images used for editorial content have been licensed from the Associated Press.

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