Jamie Gillan, Chase McLaughlin, Cleveland Browns. (Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports)
The Cleveland Browns carry a 3-1 record into SoFi Stadium for when they take on the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 5.
It is still very early in the season, but the Cleveland Browns have the best record in the AFC.
Of course, nearly half of the AFC has a 3-1 mark through the first quarter of the season, but that should not take away from what the Browns have done this year. They have won games in a variety of ways, from blowouts to those of the grind-it-out variety. While Cleveland will have its work cut out for it on Sunday afternoon vs. the Los Angeles Chargers, they can prove victorious.
Here are five bold predictions for when the Browns face the Chargers at SoFi Stadium on Sunday.
Cleveland Browns: 5 bold predictions vs. Los Angeles Chargers in Week 5
5. Chase McLaughlin nails both of his 50-yard field-goal attempts
So far this season, Browns placekicker Chase McLaughlin has been money. He has made all seven of his field-goal tries and has not missed an extra point either. What has been even more impressive is how well he has kicked from distance. Five of his seven made field goals have been from 40 yards out or more. He has connected on all three of his attempts from 50 yards out, too.
With this game being played inside, that will only add to McLaughlin’s impressive range. While the Browns offense will have its issues at times moving the sticks on the Chargers’ defense, look for McLaughlin to drain both of his 50-yard attempts on Sunday. In a game that is expected to go down to the wire in the late-afternoon window, his leg will breed confidence into the visiting team.
Of course, if the Browns are going to win this one at SoFi, they are going to have to play well in the fourth quarter. This requires converting on a few third-and-longs, getting six in red-zone opportunities and forcing a timely turnover or two. However, these six points from more than 50 yards out will help keep pace with a Chargers offense that largely outplays the Browns on Sunday.
This is the latest example of special teams being a huge boost for the Browns in a tight ballgame.