I’m hoping the Browns offense does something besides make me swear, that’s why I’m watching. Cleveland heads west to play Las Vegas at Allegiant Stadium, 4:25 pm EST. Last week the Raiders (1-2) lost to the Panthers 36-22 and the Browns (1-2) lost to the Giants 21-15. Las Vegas is favored by two.

Browns Offense vs. Raiders Defense

The Cleveland offense is still a work in progress and the progress has been slow. Very, very slow. Their offensive line is offensive. It appears the starting tackles will be James Hudson and Dawand Jones. Starting right guard Wyatt Teller was placed on IR, so rookie Zak Zinter will take his place. The Browns offensive line must contend with Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby and defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. They might catch a break with Crosby who has been limited with a high ankle injury. The Raiders lead the league in blitz percentage at 47% and effectively blitz from the slot position. If the offensive line can execute, the Browns should be able to throw the ball, Las Vagas is ranked 23rd against the pass. Cleveland will have to rely on play action pass and RPO. They need to have quarterback Deshaun Watson under center more and less in empty backfield sets. Besides Crosby, Las Vagas has lost starting pass rusher Malcolm Koonce and safety Marcus Epps for the season. Also, starting linebacker Divine Deablo and starting corner Decamerion Richardson missed some practice this week. Cleveland has to establish the run, use the short passing game to set up plays down field, stop the untimely penalties and give Watson the time to throw. Rolling out Watson would help.

Browns Defense vs. Raiders Offense

The Raider offense is a contrast. They have the number one passing offense in the AFC, but they can’t run the ball. Las Vagas averages 51 yards a game rushing and a league low 2.8 yards per carry. Raider quarterback Gardner Minshew hurt the Browns last year by running the ball out of RPO. Against the Panthers his primary targets were wide receivers Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker. Meyers caught seven passes on nine targets for 62 yards and a touchdown, while Tucker caught seven passes on nine targets for 96 yards and one touchdown. The Browns defensive line has to pressure Minshew into mistakes. He’ll either get rid of the ball quickly or hold on to it too long. The Browns secondary has to cover and the defensive line must contain Minshew. Browns defensive end Myles Garrett says he will play, but the key matchup to watch is one the other side of the line. Za’Darius Smith will match up against rookie right tackle D.J. Glaze. Starter Thayer Munford left last week’s game after two plays with a knee injury. Garrett will line up against their left tackle, Kolton Miller, who has given up five sacks this year. Number one for offensive tackles according to Pro Football Focus. Raider’s rookie tight end Brock Bowers is a great option for Minshew. He leads all tight ends in catches with eighteen and first down receptions with ten. Safety Grant Delpit or linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah will have to at least slow him down. Even though wide receiver Davante Adams only had four catches for 40 yards against Carolina, he’s always a dangerous weapon. On defense, the Browns need to stop the run, improve their tackling and force the Raiders into third and long. Cleveland is seventh in third down defense while the Raiders are 27th in third down efficiency.