The Cleveland Browns travel to London this week for an international game, and the Vikings are playing internationally for the second straight week. Minnesota appears to be forced to stay with veteran QB Carson Wentz, while the Browns have pivoted to rookie QB Dillon Gabriel to make his first career start. Who has the edge? While the quarterbacks certainly play a factor in the game, each team isn’t intending to rely on them to be the difference makers. For the Browns, it’s about their defense facing
their worst quarterback of the season and a chance to rack up sacks and create turnovers. For the Vikings, it’s about trying to confuse the Browns’ rookie defensively. Both defenses are solid, but which team can force more mistakes?
Here is what the national media is saying about the Week 5 game between the Browns and Vikings:
CBS Sports (Pete Prisco) – Vikings 20, Browns 17
There is talk this will be Dillon Gabriel at quarterback for the Browns, which means the rookie’s first NFL start comes overseas against the complicated Brian Flores defense. That will be a challenge. But the Vikings have issues of their own on offense, with injuries to the offensive line. That’s not a good thing against that Browns defense. I think Gabriel will play well enough and the defense will keep the Browns in it.
CBS Sports (John Breech) – Browns 19, Vikings 16
…This game feels like a situation where the first team to 20 is going to win, but I’m not sure anyone is going to get to 20, so I’m just going to go with the Browns. And just for the record, I was going to take the Browns with Flacco as the starter, and I’m sticking with them even though they’re making the move to Gabriel.
Sporting News (Vinnie Iyer) – Vikings 23, Browns 14
The Vikings stay across the pond with a skip over from Dublin after a rough offensive time against the Steelers. The Browns’ defense isn’t a fun follow-up with Myles Garrett after Pittsburgh’s pass rush demolished Carson Wentz. But at least the Vikings’ defense will get breaks from big plays and can force Joe Flacco into more key turnovers and maybe this time, the bench.
Sporting News (Bill Bender) – Vikings 20, Browns 14
The Vikings’ overseas tour continues in London. Cleveland’s offensive struggles continue, and quarterback Joe Flacco has two TDs and four interceptions. Will Dillon Gabriel get a shot? Minnesota will make due with Carson Wentz if he starts in place of JJ McCarthy.
Below are our Week 5 NFL staff picks:
