Browns-Colts Preview and Prediction | Bob Sanders Out With Injury

Sunday, November 30 features a huge AFC battle between two conference titans. Both teams have struggled somewhat of late, but I would still put good money on both of these teams still being alive come January.

Something tells me you already know I’m not talking about the Browns and Colts. Unfortunately, you would be right. (The matchup of titans is the afternoon game between the Patriots and Steelers.)

When the schedules came out, this late November game between the annual 12-game winning Indianapolis Colts and last year’s 10-win surprise Cleveland Browns looked like it could potentially have playoff (even homefield-type) implications.

Through 12 weeks of the 2008 season, it has become quite apparent that this is not the case. For a while, it looked like both the Browns and the Colts would fail to hold up their ends of the bargain. The Browns have been up-and-down all year; but mostly down, en route to a 4-7 record that leaves them as much for a playoff victory as Curtis Painter has for a Heisman Trophy.

The Colts came out of the gates sputtering, quite contrary to their typical modus operandi, but have gotten back on track lately. Peyton Manning is looking like his old self, injuries are starting to heal, and the rhythm of the Colts offense seems to be closer to normal — especially with Joseph Addai finally showing signs of life.

So who is going to win this game? Well, if you read this site you know that my predictions are always wrong and that I have picked the Browns to win all year long. Really, when viewed that way, the Browns poor season makes total sense

Let’s run through some keys to the game, without putting too much deep thought into this (because I think we all expect the Colts to win, and while I am holding out hope and will be cheering my ass for the Browns, what exactly is there in the last few weeks to make us legitimately feel like this is possible?).

Key #1: Will Bob Sanders play?

The answer is no. Not sure how severe the injury to Bob Sanders is, but from what I read this week it seems like the Colts are just being cautious with their superstar strong safety. And why shouldn’t they? I am sure they have total confidence that they can win without Bob Sanders, and they need to start thinking big picture. Without Bob Sanders to help try to stop Chris Johnson and LenDale White, Thomas Jones, Willie Parker, and the other RBs that will likely be in the playoffs, the Colts will be one-and-done. The Browns have done nothing to instill fear in the Colts that Bob Sanders’ presence is necessary for a win.

Advantage: Browns

Key #2: Where is the game being played?

In Cleveland. The Browns were 7-1 at home last year and nowhere near as hospitable as they have been this year. Collapses against Baltimore, Denver, and Houston have defined this season of errors for the Cleveland Browns. We’re at home again, where the term “home field advantage” means about as much as “steroid testing policy” in the Clemens house.

Advantage: Colts

Key #3: Who is playing Quarterback for Cleveland?

Earlier this week, we discussed nine options, in addition to Derek Anderson, who should be possibilities to start at QB for the Browns in the absence of Brady Quinn. As of 8:36 CT on Saturday night, Charlie Brown had a 20 vote edge over Sloth from Goonies, who was followed closely by Joshua Cribbs, LeBron James, and Zack Morris. Derek Anderson, the actual starter, was only 7th — sitting ignominiously behind Bill Cowher, who is old, mustachioed, and not a QB.

This can’t be a good sign for the Browns. Something tells me that if I had included Peyton Manning in the list of 10, he would have garnered more respect than to be behind a cartoon character, a freak from a Spielberg movie, an NBA player, a student from Bayside High School, and a studio analyst.

Read the article though, you’ll like it. Then come back here. I know you’re on the edge of your seat for my prediction.

Advantage: Colts

Key #4: Who is coaching for Cleveland?

Still Romeo Crennel. And Tony Dungy is still coaching for the Colts. This is not, in any way, shape, or form, advantageous for the Browns.

Now, I’ve heard some people whisper that the Browns will be “out for revenge” because Tony Dungy rested many of his best players in last season’s regular season finale against the Titans. The Titans beat the Colts in Week 17 last year and advanced to the playoffs. Had the Colts won, the Browns would have been in. Is it possible that the Browns players will be rabid with anger and revenge on their minds? Umm…I doubt it. It is still Romeo Crennel and Tony Dungy after all. I don’t think either one is giving a fire-and-brimstone speech in the pregame to stoke any such vendettas. Non story.

Advantage: Colts

Key #5: Who is JRod predicting to win?

Well, you all know that I want the Browns to win. And when I pick them to win, they lose. And logically speaking, if I had to bet $1,000,000 on this game, I would bet it on…the Browns. I know, I’m a fool, but what can I say? If someone put a gun to my head and said I had to place money on one team or the other, I’d rather suffer the gunshot wound than place money against the Browns.

But, in this post, I am predicting the Colts. And I am doing so for one very specific reason: my predictions are always wrong, meaning that if I go on record as saying the Colts will win, then perhaps my true desire will come true and the Browns will pull off the upset.

Advantage: Browns

This leaves the total score at 3-2, with the advantage in favor of the Colts. Excellent. (*diabolical, wicked laugh*) Exactly how I want it.

Colts 35 | Browns 31

Go Browns!

Tags: bob sanders, brady quinn, Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts, prediction, preview

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