Everybody has their krypotonite. For San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, it’s Jim Schwartz. This week, you’re likely to read all about how Shanahan is 1-9 against Schwartz-led defenses. In fairness,
Shanahan had backup quarterbacks. But the last time these two teams met in Cleveland in 2023, Shanahan had one of the most prolific offenses in recent history.
In that game, Brock Purdy went 12-for-27 for 125 yards. He has a quarterback rating of 39.8, was sacked three times, and threw an interception. Beyond ten yards, Purdy went 2-for-10. As you’d expect, the weather was not great in Cleveland that day. This time around, temperatures could be worse. It was Week 6 then. It’ll be after Thanksgiving now.
There’s a better chance of it snowing in Cleveland than of it being sunny. Temperatures are expected to be below 40 degrees. On Fanduel Sportsbook, the 49ers are 5.5-point favorites with the total on the game set at 38.5.
That total is a representation of the weather, the Browns’ defense, and Cleveland’s quarterback. Shedeur Sanders is one of the most polarizing players in the NFL. It shouldn’t be that way, as he’s thrown 36 passes this season. He’s completed 15 of them. Sanders has been sacked three times. Outside of an explosive pass on a scramble, he has left a lot of meat on the bone. It’s another opportunity for Robert Saleh’s defense to build momentum and put together a strong performance.
On the flip side, the Browns have a top-three defense. Myles Garrett is having a potentially record-setting season. Their top rookie, Mason Graham, has been one of the least-talked-about players, but he’s been wreaking havoc all year. Add in cornerback Denzel Ward and Schwartz’s scheme, and that’s how you get a total of 38.
Laying 5.5 points might be tempting with the 49ers, who are decisively the better team, but, much like in 2023, this is a stay away. The Browns are one of those weird teams that muck things up and always find ways to make it close when it shouldn’t be. Don’t believe us? Ask the healthy version of the Bengals, or the Packers, or the Ravens.
