Who is the Guy?
Myles Garrett is on the verge of claiming his second Defensive Player of the Year award based on his dominance off the edge. The All-Pro leads the league with 15 sacks despite playing for a defense that rarely plays with a lead. With a freakish combination of size, strength, athleticism and skill, Garrett can win against double and triple teams at the line of scrimmage. Given his potential impact as a disruptive force from the edge, the Raiders must be aware of his whereabouts at all times.
Know His Name
Quinshon Judkins has energized the Browns offense as a dynamic RB1 with big play potential. The Ohio State product has five games with at least 75 rushing yards, while showing outstanding competitive stamina with 17 or more rushing attempts in six contests. As the lead back for an offense that wants to lean on a ground-and-pound attack, Judkins is the straw that stirs the drink for the Browns.
Don't Sleep On…
Harold Fannin Jr. has quickly become the Browns' No. 1 option on the perimeter. He leads the team with 44 receptions and five catches of 20-plus yards, while playing as the sidekick of Jerry Jeudy and David Njoku. With a rookie quarterback looking for easy completions in his NFL debut, the Raiders should expect plenty of balls to head in Fannin's direction.
Under Pressure
Shedeur Sanders is expected to make his debut as the Browns' starting quarterback on Sunday. As one of the most polarizing players in the league, the rookie is under extreme pressure to deliver a five-star performance to silence the critics and hold onto his position as the team's temporary QB1. Additionally, Sanders needs to play well to help the Browns end a three-game losing streak that has the team on the verge of falling apart. Given the pressure on the first-time starter, the Raiders can take advantage of his nerves and anxiety with an aggressive game plan that challenges him to make sound decisions under duress.
Matchup to Watch
Maxx Crosby vs. Browns offensive line
The Browns' pass protection woes and Sanders' propensity to hold onto the ball could lead to a career day for Crosby. The four-time Pro Bowler could have a field day utilizing his speed and power to overwhelm Cam Robinson and Cornelius Lucas on the edges. Considering the Browns have allowed 29 sacks, with Sanders sacked twice by the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11, No. 98 might wreck the game on Sunday.
Offensive Scheme
Browns Head Coach Kevin Stefanski has given up his play-calling duties, but he will play a pivotal role in building out the game plan for his new rookie starter. Based on Sanders' skills as a classic drop-back passer with limited athleticism, the Browns will feature a mix of quick-rhythm throws and various play-action concepts to complement a downhill running game. Expect the Browns to opt for a conservative approach with the young quarterback, but high-percentage passes on early downs (quicks and bootlegs) could be featured prominently in the plan to keep the offense on schedule and out of third-and-long situations. With Judkins also established as the Browns' top playmaker, the Raiders should expect a run-centric game plan with a mix of "dink-and-dunk" passes this week.
Defensive Scheme
Despite their 2-8 record, the Browns will bring a salty defense into town under the direction of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. The veteran playcaller will utilize an aggressive game plan that enables Myles Garrett to take over the game from various alignments. Additionally, he will feature some blitz-man pressures to challenge Geno Smith to make tight window throws under pressure. Given the quarterback's turnover woes, the Browns will likely heat him up to see if they can generate a few takeaways to help out their struggling offense.
View photos of past matchups between the Raiders and Browns as the Silver and Black prepare for their Week 12 matchup at Allegiant Stadium.
The Raiders wait to receive a kickoff during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 8, 1970.
The Raiders force a turnover during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 8, 1970.
Raiders quarterback Daryle Lamonica (3) lines up before the snap during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 8, 1970.
Raiders quarterback Daryle Lamonica (3) goes to hand the ball off to running back Charlie Smith (23) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 8, 1970.
Raiders wide receiver Cliff Branch (21) is congratulated by linebacker Rod Martin (53) and defensive end Willie Jones (90) after making a 39-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 9, 1979.
Raiders wide receiver Cliff Branch (21) is congratulated linebacker Phil Villapiano (41) and quarterback Ken Stabler (12) after making a 39-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 9, 1979.
Raiders quarterback Jim Plunkett (16) passes during the AFC Divisional Round away game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Stadium, Sunday, January 4, 1981.
Raiders defensive end/defensive tackle Dave Browning (73) pressures the quarterback during the AFC Divisional Round away game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Stadium, Sunday, January 4, 1981.
Raiders running back Kenny King (33) rushes during the AFC Divisional Round away game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Stadium, Sunday, January 4, 1981.
Raiders running back Mark van Eeghen (30) rushes for a 1-yard touchdown during the AFC Divisional Round away game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Stadium, Sunday, January 4, 1981.
Raiders defensive back Mike Davis (36) makes a tackle during the AFC Divisional Round away game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Stadium, Sunday, January 4, 1981.
Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes during the AFC Wild Card home game against the Cleveland Browns at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, January 8, 1983.
Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes during the AFC Wild Card home game against the Cleveland Browns at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, January 8, 1983.
Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) runs after making a catch during the AFC Wild Card home game against the Cleveland Browns at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, January 8, 1983.
Raiders defensive end/defensive tackle Howie Long (75) sacks the quarterback during the AFC Wild Card home game against the Cleveland Browns at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, January 8, 1983.
Raiders linebacker Matt Millen (55) jumps to try and break up a pass during the AFC Wild Card home game against the Cleveland Browns at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, January 8, 1983.
Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, November 17, 1986.
Raiders guard Max Montoya (65) and center Don Mosebar (72) line up before the snap during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 19, 1993.
Raiders tight end Ethan Horton (88) lines up before the snap during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 19, 1993.
Raiders defensive back Anthony Dorsett (33) recovers a fumble during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Sunday, October 12, 2003.
Raiders running back Charlie Garner (25) rushes during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Sunday, October 12, 2003.
Raiders linebacker Travian Smith (56) sacks the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Sunday, October 12, 2003.
Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon (12) looks for a receiver during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Sunday, October 12, 2003.
Raiders running back Justin Fargas (20) rushes during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Sunday, October 12, 2003.
Raiders running back LaMont Jordan (34) rushes during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 18, 2005.
Raiders running back LaMont Jordan (34) rushes during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 18, 2005.
Raiders wide receiver Randy Moss (18) makes a 18-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 18, 2005.
Raiders defensive back Stanford Routt (26) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 18, 2005.
Raiders defensive end Tyler Brayton (91) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, October 1, 2006.
Raiders linebacker Sam Williams (54) returns a fumble for a 30-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, October 1, 2006.
Raiders defensive tackle Tommy Kelly (93) and defensive back Jarrod Cooper (40) make a tackle during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, October 1, 2006.
Raiders running back Justin Fargas (25) rushes during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, October 1, 2006.
Raiders running back LaMont Jordan (34) rushes during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, October 1, 2006.
Raiders linebacker Thomas Howard (53) intercepts a pass during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, September 23, 2007.
Raiders defensive back Michael Huff (22) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, September 23, 2007.
Raiders wide receiver Ronald Curry (89) makes a 41-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, September 23, 2007.
Raiders linebacker Kirk Morrison (52) runs after intercepting a pass during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, September 23, 2007.
Raiders running back LaMont Jordan (34) rushes during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, September 23, 2007.
Raiders quarterback Charlie Frye (3) passes during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Sunday, December 27, 2009.
Raiders wide receiver Todd Watkins (19) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Sunday, December 27, 2009.
Raiders tight end Zach Miller (80) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Sunday, December 27, 2009.
Raiders quarterback Jason Campbell (8) passes to tight end David Ausberry (86) during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, October 16, 2011.
Raiders running back Darren McFadden (20) rushes for a 4-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, October 16, 2011.
Raiders defensive back Matt Giordano (27) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, October 16, 2011.
Raiders wide receiver Jacoby Ford returns a kickoff 101-yards for a touchdown during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, October 16, 2011.
Raiders defensive back Michael Huff (24) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, December 2, 2012.
Raiders linebacker Keenan Clayton (57) and defensive back Coye Francies (31) make a tackle during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, December 2, 2012.
Raiders right end Brandon Myers (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, December 2, 2012.
Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer (3) passes during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, December 2, 2012.
Raiders defensive end Lamarr Houston (99) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, December 2, 2012.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Sunday, October 26, 2014.
Raiders wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins (85) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Sunday, October 26, 2014.
Raiders wide receiver Andre Holmes (18) stiff arms the defender on his way to 10-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Sunday, October 26, 2014.
Raiders wide receiver Andre Holmes (18) makes a 3-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Sunday, September 27, 2015.
Raiders linebacker Aldon Smith (99) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Sunday, September 27, 2015.
Raiders defensive back Charles Woodson (24) intercepts a pass during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Sunday, September 27, 2015.
Raiders defensive back David Amerson (29) breaks up a pass during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Sunday, September 27, 2015.
Raiders linebacker Marquel Lee (55) breaks up a pass during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, September 30, 2018.
Raiders defensive back Gareon Conley (21) returns an interception 36-yards for a touchdown during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, September 30, 2018.
Raiders tight end Lee Smith (86) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, September 30, 2018.
Raiders defensive end Arden Key (99) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, September 30, 2018.
Raiders defensive back Reggie Nelson (27) intercepts a pass during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, September 30, 2018.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cory Littleton (42) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Sunday, November 1, 2020, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) and defensive end Clelin Ferrell (96) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Sunday, November 1, 2020, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Sunday, November 1, 2020, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) makes a 4-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Sunday, November 1, 2020, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks off during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Monday, December 20, 2021, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Monday, December 20, 2021, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Solomon Thomas (92) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Monday, December 20, 2021, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Bryan Edwards (89) makes a 5-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Monday, December 20, 2021, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) lines up to kick a PAT during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Monday, December 20, 2021, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Monday, December 20, 2021, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (90) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Monday, December 20, 2021, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a game-winning 48-yard field goal during the regular season away game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium, Monday, December 20, 2021, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, September 29, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) celebrates after rushing for a 3-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, September 29, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) punts during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, September 29, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, September 29, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nev.
