The Matchups the Browns Must Win to Have a Chance on Sunday

Win these matchups and Sunday's game will be closer than people think.

Stars will be all over the field at Cleveland Browns Stadium on Sunday afternoon. There are great matchups everywhere from Myles Garrett versus Trent Williams, Denzel Ward versus Brandon Aiyuk, Kyle Shanahan versus Jim Schwartz and so many more.

Sep 24, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) celebrates a sack with defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports / Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

There are three key matchups that the Browns must win in order for them to take down this mighty 49ers team.

Dawand Jones & Jederick Wills versus Nick Bosa

Neutralizing Nick Bosa is priority number one. He is a legit game-wrecker for the 49ers when they are on defense. He rushes the quarterback with bad intentions for anyone in his way. He has the skill and ability to change the complexion of a game with just one play.

It's been no secret that the Browns have had issues with their tackle position. The inconsistent play of Jedrick Wills and rookie replacement Dawand Jones have led Browns fans to be uncomfortable with their options up front. It is on these two to keep Nick Bosa from totally wrecking the game.

Oct 11, 2020; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Jedrick Wills (71) is introduced before the game between the Cleveland Browns and the Indianapolis Colts at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports / Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah versus Christian McCaffery

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah was drafted to slow down dynamic players like Chrisitian McCaffery. Owusu-Koramoah will have his hands full this week with the chaotic looks that Kyle Shanahan will dial-up, his responsibility of covering George Kittle and stopping Chrisitan McCaffery. 

Oct 1, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) celebrates a third down stop during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports / © Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

If Owusu-Koramoah can hold his own and neutralize McCaffery, the Browns will have more than a chance to win this game on Sunday.

Cleveland's Corners versus Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel

Kyle Shanahan's offense is built around running the football and then throwing off of a successful run game. The Browns cornerbacks of Denzel Ward, Greg Newsome, and MJ Emerson have the ability to not only neutralize this receiving corp but have the advantage over them. 

If those three can lock down the passing game and make Brock Purdy's life hard through the air, Sunday could turn into a slugfest. 

Cleveland Browns cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) nearly intercept a pass intended for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) in the first quarter of an NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, at Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cincinnati :: © Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

This will be a tough test for the Cleveland Browns. If they want to have a fighter's chance on Sunday they need these three matchups to go their way.