Titans-Browns expert picks: Deshaun Watson struggles without Nick Chubb

The Tennessee Titans continue through their difficult start to the 2023 season with a trip to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.

Tennessee got a much-needed win in overtime against the LA Chargers last week. Denico Autry (foot/groin), DeAndre Hopkins (ankle) and Teair Tart (knee) are all questionable heading into Sunday’s game.

Cleveland is 1-1 after splitting two divisional games to start the regular season. The Browns schedule is very difficult throughout the rest of September and October despite three straight home games. After the Titans in Week 3, the Browns face the Ravens and 49ers in Cleveland.

Here’s how our experts predict the Titans’ Week 3 game:

Tennessee Titans vs. Cleveland Browns expert predictions

Nick Suss, Titans beat reporter

Browns 10, Titans 7

This game doesn’t figure to be pretty. The team that wins the turnover battle will win; it’s that simple. The Browns take advantage of the home-field advantage and win in a mucky, ugly way.

Gentry Estes, columnist

Browns 17, Titans 10

The Browns’ defense is for real, and it happens to be coached by a guy who worked in the Titans’ building the past two seasons.

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Paul Skrbina, sports reporter

Titans 27, Browns 20

No Nick Chubb is good news for the underdog Titans, whose defense will prove too tough. 

Mike Organ, sports reporter

Titans 21, Browns 17

The Titans’ new-found explosive offense, which produced more than 20 points for the first time since Week 13 of 2022 and only the third time in the last 14 games, will find a way to outscore the Browns without Nick Chubb.

Nick Gray, trending sports reporter

Titans 17, Browns 13

Despite a strong final three quarters against the Chargers, the Titans offense is not in good enough form to have a ton of success against a stingy Browns defense on the road. But this isn’t the same Deshaun Watson, and the Titans seem to win these kinds of games more often that not.

Tom Kreager, Tennessee high school sports editor

Titans 27, Browns 14

The Titans are starting to put the pieces together. A win will be a big step forward as long as the offensive line can stay healthy.