Best Non-Chiefs games, Week 6: 49ers face a tough test against Browns
By Grant Tuttle
It's that time of week again. Today, we take a look at the week's best games that don't involve our beloved Kansas City Chiefs. With some AFC South implications and potential for a big upset, this week has some promising matchups.
Which games should you tune into after watching the Chiefs on Thursday? We've got you covered. Here are the week's best non-Chiefs games.
1. San Francisco 49ers @ Cleveland Browns
Game time: Sunday, October 15, 12:00 PM CT
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook: 49ers (-5.5)
TV: Fox/NFL Sunday Ticket
The 49ers are riding high after pummeling the Dallas Cowboys in primetime last week. In what was billed as a great matchup, the 49ers whooped the Cowboys from start to finish. At this point, we can start assuming that they are going to be the trendiest pick to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. With both a dominant defense and explosive offense, it seems like a given. However, their opponent, the Cleveland Browns offers a new kind of challenge that they have not yet faced.
The Browns enter the week coming off of a bye. During that time, they have had time to recover from nagging injuries and have been, to this point, one of the most dominant defenses in the NFL. While you could point to the Cowboys as having similar defensive success, the Browns have shown it against more formidable opponents. Cleveland's offense does leave a little to be desired, but the defense will truly test the 49ers in a way that they have not yet been tested.
The bottom line: I think that San Francisco sneaks out of here with a win. With that being said, I can envision a scenario in which the 49ers lose in a tight one. The Browns have the most underrated defense in football. They have guys with tremendous athleticism that might give the 49ers a little trouble.
Prediction: 49ers 27, Browns 24