Welcome to the Week 17 NFL OMEGAtable. This week, in lieu of or usual lineup, we will be bringing readers a 2 part Roundtable discussion on what is the biggest game for the Browns since 2002. With the Browns in a win and in scenario, we will have 8 questions over two articles to talk about most storylines. These questions were submitted on Wednesday, so any COVID related issues may not be fully addressed.
5) Who plays a bigger role in the rushing offense: Nick Chubb or Wyatt Teller
Ohio
Nick Chubb has been in the conversation for “best Running Back in the league” his entire career, about half of which has been with Teller and half of which has been without Teller. Chubb has produced at a high level regardless of Teller. With that said, having Teller certainly elevates the running game to another level. But Chubb himself provides a baseline that is too good to ignore.
Out of the Rafters
The way I see this question is “Which running attack is better–one with Chubb and a replacement-level right guard, or one with Teller and a replacement-level running back?” In that case, I believe the answer is the former. A team with Nick Chubb and a replacement-level right guard is better than a team with Wyatt Teller and a replacement-level running back. But, if you swap out “replacement-level running back” for Kareem Hunt, then I’ll take that option.
Chris Richani
Both are invaluable. I guess I’ll go with Teller because the drop off between him and his replacement offensive lineman is more severe than the drop off from Chubb to Hunt. But make no mistake about it, the Browns need both performing at a high level to compete against good teams.
Super Surge
Wyatt Teller. We got a glimpse of life without Teller and it wasn’t pretty. At least with Chubb, we have Hunt to replace him. Teller is also critical to giving Baker time.
6) Is the loss of BJ Goodson a bigger loss than what is being reported?
Ohio
Maybe? I think the bigger issue has been the number of starters out on defense. The defense has struggled enough as it is, but with multiple starters being out seemingly every week, it has made a bad defense even worse.
Out of the Rafters
He has been one of our top two linebackers all year–and was easily our best until Takitaki has come on as of late. Does it matter that he’s out? Yes. I’m not familiar with “what’s being reported” so I can’t really speak to that.
Chris Richani
It’s a big loss. It is widely reported that Goodson is the voice of the defense, and he leads a linebacking group that is already devoid of talent. With all the other missing pieces, the loss of Goodson compounds things significantly.
Super Surge
Our LB position has been a weakness since the offseason. Losing the presumed leader of the position group and a voice the defense listens to is big.
7) TJ Watt vs Myles Garrett: Who would you take this year and who would you take in the future?
Ohio
Myles Garrett was the favorite for DPOTY and an MVP candidate before getting covid. And that is with very limited help from his teammates. The only answer here is Myles Garrett.
Out of the Rafters
Myles Garrett is a better player than TJ Watt, and I don’t think it’s particularly close.
Chris Richani
Myles both this year and all future years. TJ Watt is a great player and the Steelers do a great job of scheming for him to wreck games. However to me it’s as simple as this: Myles Garrett is more talented and surrounded by less talent. If Watt and Garrett swapped places, Garrett would be terrorizing the league and the unquestioned DPOY.
Super Surge
Myles Garrett twice. Up until he got Covid, he was tearing up opposing offenses. He’s one of the biggest difference makers in the league.
8) The big one: Browns or Steelers?
Ohio
Given the Steelers don’t have much to play for, they will sit some starters, including Big Ben. Additionally, given the high likelihood of a 1st round rematch, the Steelers won’t want to give anything away from a schematic standpoint. Expect a very vanilla gameplan from the Steelers. Browns will have enough horses back to win this game without too much trouble.
Browns 31
Steelers 20
Out of the Rafters
Browns. 30-13
Chris Richani
I think this will be an ugly one. I’ve tried to take a more optimistic approach to the Browns this season and have been rewarded more times than not. So I’ll stick with the optimism for one more week. Assuming no more COVID issues before Sunday, I’ll say the New Browns finally punch that ever-elusive ticket to the playoffs.
Super Surge
Browns 27-13.
