At this point in the season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are merely battling for respectability. They get the chance to double their current win total when they travel to Cleveland to take on the Browns.
NFL picks and predictions, Buccaneers vs. Browns 2014: Clean sweep for Cleveland
Little faith for Lovie Smith’s crew from SB Nation’s experts.
Jason Miller
There was a time not long ago when many believed a playoff appearance was in the cards for Cleveland. The Browns began the year 3-2 and then faced the Jaguars, Raiders and Buccaneers in their next three games. A loss to Jacksonville and a less-than-impressive showing versus the Raiders have dampened the mood. Still, it can't be as dour Tampa's, a team that tried to deal anyone it could during this week's trading deadline. In the end, the Buccaneers only sent away safety Mark Barron and linebacker Jonathan Casillas. At least for the rest of 2014, Vincent Jackson and Doug Martin remain in pewter.
Every one of CBS Sports’ expects sided with the Browns this week. Senior CBS columnist Pete Prisco sees the game going 24-17 in favor of the home team:
The Bucs have been awful this season, but the last time they went to play a team from the AFC North on the road they upset the Steelers. Does it happen again? No, it won't. The Browns will win this one behind their running game since Tampa Bay has all kinds of defensive problems.
SB Nation’s panelists agreed, picking Cleveland unanimously.
| Week 9 | Ryan Van Bibber | Stephen White | David Fucillo | Danny Kelly | PFT Commenter | Matt Ufford | Joel Thorman |
| CLE vs. TB | CLE | CLE | CLE | CLE | CLE | CLE | CLE |
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