VS.

Photo Credit: Icon SMI

All eyes will be on second-year quarterback Brady Quinn as he gets his first career start on Thursday night. Quinn is replacing Derek Anderson, who was erratic and ineffective in the Browns first eight games. Quinn is getting thrown into the action as the short week has allowed him only three days of practice with the first team. Luckily, Quinn will be facing the Broncos and their 27th-ranked pass defense. Scouts labeled Quinn as an “NFL-ready” quarterback when he was selected out of Notre Dame in the 2007 NFL Draft.  The Broncos are allowing 243.2 passing yards per game, and have given up 12 passing touchdowns, compared to only three interceptions. While the Browns are likely to start off with a conservative game plan, Quinn will be able to show off his arm as the game progresses. Quinn will rely on Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow Jr. and will throw for 225 yards and a touchdown.

Edwards, who has a severe case of the drops this season, should benefit from the promotion of Quinn into the starting lineup. Edwards is a superstar receiver and Quinn will be sure to implement him into the passing game early and often. After a slow start, Edwards is averaging 90 yards receiving in the Browns last four games. Edwards will catch a season-high six passes for 95 yards and a touchdown. Winslow had five catches for 64 yards last week against the Ravens, his highest yardage total of the season. Winslow should be an emergency option for Quinn and will catch four passes for 50 yards. The injuries to Winslow have allowed Steve Heiden to quietly demand playing time and he will catch three passes for 35 yards. The Browns will rely heavily on Jamal Lewis. He should receive at least 20 carries against a Broncos defense that is 26th in the league at stopping the run. The Broncos have given up 12 rushing touchdowns and Lewis will add two more as he rushes for 100 yards.

With the news that running backs Michael Pittman and Andre Hall were placed on IR with season-ending injuries, the Broncos will be placing the load on rookie Ryan Torain. Torain carried three times for one yard in his debut last week, but he is expected to be the main back on Thursday. The Browns run defense is ranked 28th in the NFL, so Torain should find room to run. With only three NFL carries under his belt, there is immense pressure on Torain to produce. Torain will be up for the challenge and run for 95 yards and a touchdown. Selvin Young is still nicked up and it is questionable whether he will play.

While the Browns run defense is sub-par, their pass defense is fairly decent. The Browns allow 200.1 passing yards per game, good for 13th in the NFL. Jay Cutler will still be effective, though, as he is likely to attempt at least 35 passes. Expect 250 yards and two touchdowns from Cutler.  Brandon Marshall was held to a season-low two catches last week against the Dolphins, so he is primed to bounce back. Marshall hasn’t scored since Week Four, but he will this week as he catches seven passes for 100 yards and a TD. Eddie Royal will benefit from the extra attention that the Browns will give to Marshall and catch five passes for 75 yards and a touchdown. Tony Scheffler is questionable, but if he does play, he will catch three passes for 40 yards.

Brad Rysz can’t wait to sit on the couch and watch Eddie Royal put up some serious points for his fantasy team. E-mail Brad at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it with any Start/Sit questions for this week.

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed