Bears vs. Browns Predictions: Tough first start for Justin Fields

The Justin Fields era is about to get underway for the Bears but how will the first-round rookie do at Cleveland?

Neil Monnery looks at the game…

Justin Fields will be the storyline heading into Chicago’s trip to Cleveland on Sunday. The first-round player out of Ohio State was named as the starter following a knee injury to incumbent Andy Dalton. The 22-year-old has been used in spots so far in 2021 and has gone eight for 15 for 70 yards, no scores and an interception. This however will be his first chance to get all the reps in practice as the offensive staff will have to start scheming up more plays to take advantage of his potential in the running game.

Fields will have the help of one of the better Running Backs in the game in David Montgomery. The third year player out of Iowa State has developed nicely and rushed for over 100 yards in the opener against the Rams. With Allen Robinson being a true WR1 and Darnell Mooney being a reliable second option, the Bears do have some good skill position options.

Cleveland have had a pretty decent start to their 2021 season. A tough loss on the road to Kansas City in Week 1 was followed by a solid ten-point win at home to the Houston Texans.

An 82% completion rate for Baker Mayfield through two games is first rate (40 of 49). One score and two picks however is less so. What Cleveland do well though is pounding the rock with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. The former is one of the upper-tier RBs in fantasy as he has both big gain speed and power to hit the hole up the middle. He’s got 178 yards to his name on the ground in 2021 with Hunt being in more of a supportive role but he can go off at any time.

OBJ looks likely to start having been a full participant in Wednesday practice. His presence alone will add to the depth of the receiving talent and put the Browns in a better position to win this game.

A rookie QB on the road against a veteran heavy and talent rich D-Line does not often lead to good times.

Spread:

Seven points feels about right but I really think Fields is going to struggle on Sunday. He has plenty of potential but I’m not sure he’s ready for the speed of the Cleveland front-four. Give me the Browns-7.

Straight-up/Moneyline:

I don’t like this line as Cleveland are too short and I don’t fancy a punt on the Bears.

Over/Under Points Totals:

45.5 points is the number and I struggle to think Chicago get more than 17 points at best so do I think the Browns put up over 28? They have in both their previous games so give me the over - just.