Fresh off demolishing the New York Jets, the Buffalo Bills host the Cleveland Browns Sunday. Buffalo needs a win to stay relevant in the AFC playoff picture.
Browns vs. Bills 2014 picks and predictions: Buffalo a slight favorite, according to experts
The experts were impressed by last week’s 38-3 Bills win over the Jets.
Despite bringing in a new general manager and head coach this offseason, the Browns have managed a 7-4 record. That mark is made even more impressive when considering the team's best player, superstar wide receiver Josh Gordon, sat out the first 11 weeks while serving a suspension for a substance abuse violation. Quarterback Brian Hoyer hasn't played well enough to completely silence the Johnny Manziel supporters, but he has done enough to keep the coaches from making a change. Cleveland has lost several key players on defense, but the secondary -- led by All-Pro corner Joe Haden -- has played well.
In Buffalo, the Bills have faced quarterback questions of their own. Week 1 starter E.J. Manuel played poorly enough to convince head coach Doug Marrone to turn to journeyman Kyle Orton. Orton performed well initially, but his productivity has dipped over the last four games. Still, he's a stabilizing, veteran presence the offense needs, especially considering that the unit's two best players -- Sammy Watkins and Robert Woods -- are barely of drinking age.
While not an overwhelming choice, most of the experts are going with Buffalo. Six of CBS Sports’ eight-man panel sided with the Bills.
CBS Sports senior writer Pete Prisco had this to say about the game:
The Browns are playing a second consecutive road game, while the Bills will be happy to just be home after snow moved their game with the Jets to Detroit. The Bills’ pass rush is fierce, but the Browns have a good line. Even so, I think the Bills defense will be the difference here. Brian Hoyer is starting to show some issues.
The split is a little closer here at SB Nation. Four of our seven experts are leaning toward the Browns.
| Ryan Van Bibber | Stephen White | David Fucillo | Danny Kelly | PFT Commenter | Matt Ufford | Joel Thorman | |
| CLE vs. BUF | BUF | CLE | CLE | BUF | BUF | CLE | BUF |
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