Packers Wire staff predictions: Week 16 vs. Cleveland Browns

Packers Wire

The Green Bay Packers (11-3) will attempt to take another step toward clinching the top seed in the NFC when the Cleveland Browns (7-7) come to Lambeau Field for a Christmas Day matchup.

Here’s how the staff at Packers Wire believes the Week 16 showdown with the Browns will go down:

Zach Kruse (8-6): Packers 34, Browns 24

The Browns have question marks all over the offense, including (and especially) at quarterback, and the defense’s pass-rush doesn’t look as frightening if Myles Garrett doesn’t play or is limited by a groin injury. Consider this: Cleveland has scored more than 17 points just twice in the last nine games. If you can’t score, you can’t beat Aaron Rodgers and the Packers at Lambeau Field. The Browns are talented on both sides, and a desperate and talented team can never be overlooked, but this is also a depleted team playing on a short week. The guess here is that Matt LaFleur’s team will simply have a wonderful Christmas time, unwrapping a relatively comfortable win in front of cheerful fans at the NFL’s version of the North Pole.

Jack Wepfer (10-4): Packers 33, Browns 21

The Packers continue to overcome their own struggles, and, really, that seems to be the main thing that matters down the stretch. Aaron Rodgers is on a roll, and the offense is firing on all cylinders. They’re a team built for cold weather football; it’ll be fun to see that being put to use at home. Cleveland has some talent to make this game interesting, but there will just be too much pressure on the Browns to keep pace, which often results in turnovers and points for the good guys.

Brandon Carwile (10-4): Packers 31, Browns 20

We still don’t know if Cleveland will have Baker Mayfield or Myles Garrett on Christmas. However, even if both are available, I think Green Bay wins by double digits. Expect the Browns to lean on Nick Chubb so the Packers will need a stout performance from their run defense. Offensively, I think Aaron Rodgers will have a big outing and deliver a Christmas present in the form of three touchdowns. Also, keep and eye on Davante Adams vs Denzel Ward. That will be a fun matchup.

Joe Kipp (9-5): Packers 30, Browns 20

The main worry for the Packers will be stopping Nick Chubb. The Browns rushing attack ranks fourth in the NFL in yards per game (139.6). The Packers will be getting back Kenny Clark along the defensive line, but who knows how healthy he really is coming back from Covid. If Green Bay can stifle Cleveland’s run game, even with Baker Mayfield, they should win this game easily.

Brennen Rupp (7-3): Packers 24, Browns 14

This could be an ugly offensive game. Will Green Bay’s offensive line be able to handle Cleveland’s front four? Will Cleveland be able to move the ball offensively, if Green Bay is able to shut down Nick Chubb? I think Aaron Rodgers strengthens his MVP case with a three-touchdown game behind a makeshift offensive line.

Writer	Prediction	Score	Record
Zach Kruse	Win	34-24	8-6
Jack Wepfer	Win	33-21	10-4
Brandon Carwile	Win	31-20	10-4
Joe Kipp	Win	30-20	9-5
Brennen Rupp	Win	24-14	7-3

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