Week 5 of the 2013 NFL season begins with a matchup in the AFC on Thursday night, with the Buffalo Bills visiting the Cleveland Browns. Both are coming off of a win, but preparing on a short week is always difficult. Kickoff is set for 8:25 pm ET, with coverage on the NFL Network.
- When:
Thurs., Oct. 3rd, 2013 @ 8:25pm ET
- Where:
FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, OH
- Who’s Favored?
Browns by 4 ~ 41.5 o/u @ BetOnline
- More Info:
The winner of this matchup will pull to over .500 on the season. It’s a bit of a surprise for both teams, who didn’t come in with much expectations this season.
Buffalo rookie quarterback E.J. Manuel has been able to come in and be effective right from Week 1. But on the whole it’s been the combined rushing effort between Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller. The duo has put Buffalo as the second-ranked rushing offense in the NFL this season, averaging 152 yards per game. That compensates for the 28th-ranked passing attack. But most of Manuel’s pass attempts are check downs, which is to be expected for a rookie quarterback trying to limit the mistakes he makes. Manuel has five touchdowns to three interceptions in four games, which isn’t a terrible ratio. Two of those interceptions came in the win over the Ravens on Sunday.
Many questioned the move of the Browns to trade away Trent Richardson. After an 0-2 start. Cleveland has gone 2-0 without Richardson.
The emergence of tight end Jordan Cameron has been the biggest bright spot for the Browns this season. He has 30 receptions for 360 yards and five touchdowns, including another touchdown in the 17-6 win over AFC North rival Cleveland on Sunday.
Look for Cameron to play a big role once again on Thursday night, and create matchup problems for the Buffalo defense.