Gameday Newsletter: Week 9, Chargers

Browns Film Breakdown provides all the insights you need as the Browns host the Chargers in a must-win Week 9 battle.

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 10: Nick Chubb #24 of the Cleveland Browns breaks through to run for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on October 10, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

What a difference a week makes, isn’t that right Browns fans? A week ago, the season was over and everyone was giving away their tickets for the game against the Ravens. Those folks feel foolish now as they missed one of the best Browns wins of the past few years. As exciting as last week was, this week might go further toward determining whether the Browns can be competitive yet this season or if things are over after all.

Despite all of the justified pessimism about the Browns early-season struggles, the amazing thing is that they haven’t actually hurt their playoff positioning as much as you’d expect. If the Browns had gone 0-4 against the AFC West instead of the NFC East, the season would be well and truly over. A 2-6 AFC record is not something you can work with. But the Browns, somehow, are 2-2 in the AFC. They have 8 games remanining against the conference, only the Saints represent the NFC on the upcoming schedule. So, if the Browns win a LOT of their remaining games, the tiebreakers will likely favor them.

It’s not much, but it’s some hope and a reason to be excited. The Chargers are another wild card hopeful and the Browns can beat them and climb right back in this thing today. Who’d have thought that a week ago, huh?

As last week, we have an injury update ahead of the game today.

It’s disappointing that JOK is missing a few games with a neck injury, but it’s undoubtedly good news that he’s going to be okay after that scary moment last week. On the other hand, a miraculous recovery from Denzel Ward. He was widely expected to miss the week but he will apparently play. As of this morning, there are no updates on the Browns other questionable players. We’ll update you as soon as we can.

Without further ado, let’s get to everything you need to know about the game.

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 14: A Los Angeles Chargers fan in the stands prior to the National Football League game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns on October 14, 2018, at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

This has undoubtedly been a good weather year for the Browns. This week is another picture perfect fall weather day in the Cleveland area. Temperatures will be be pretty darn warm for November, popping into the 60s for the game. There’s a remote chance of rain later in the day toward nighttime but it shouldn’t impact the game. 9/10 grade.