Browns vs Broncos MNF: 2 keys that could lead to Cleveland victory

A big AFC matchup could come down to Myles Garrett, Jerry Jeudy and altitude on Monday Night Football

Happy Thanksgiving and happy holidays to those who celebrate. After winning Thursday Night Football, the Cleveland Browns look to build some momentum as they travel to the Mile High City to take on the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football.

The kickoff is at 8:15. The game will be broadcast on ESPN, but WOIO (CH 19) will be broadcast locally. Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, and Lisa Salters will be on the call.

Here are the two key things to watch for the Browns:

Is this the year that the Browns will overcome their Mile High woes and get a win at Denver?

The last time Cleveland won at Denver was in 2018. To sum it up, it’s been a while. Last year these two teams played, the only difference is Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson was the starter and Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix was still at Oregon.

Cleveland and Denver are different teams now from what they were last year, but playing in Colorado has been a house of horrors for the Browns. Playing in Denver isn’t easy. For starters, it’s going to be cold. The second part? Altitude.

Playing at 5,280 above sea level isn’t ideal, the air is much thinner which makes you fatigue much faster. The Broncos offense has been playing well and Nix is the front-runner to win Rookie of the Year right now. Denver’s defense has been stout all season.

Monday night will be a stiff test for both teams.

For Cleveland to come out with a win, it’s imperative that they don’t get off to a slow start. The Broncos offense has players who can get hot at any time and Nix has improved as the year goes on. If the Browns offense can keep the turnovers at a minimum, and make life uncomfortable for Nix then Cleveland can escape Denver with a win.

Myles Garrett’s ability to be game-changing like he was against the Pittsburgh Steelers might decide the outcome of Monday Night Football.

Jerry Jeudy revenge game?

Lost in all the shuffle, Jeudy returns to Denver for the first time on a different team. Some may call it a homecoming but not necessarily. Jeudy was drafted by the Broncos in the 1st round of the 2020 NFL Draft. It was a lot of ups and downs (more downs than ups) but Jeudy had a solid career in Denver. Some will say it was underwhelming due to Jeudy not emerging as “the guy” for the Broncos.

He was eventually traded to Cleveland this offseason and Jeudy has emerged as “the guy” in Cleveland after the team dealt wide receiver Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills.

It will be an emotional return for many reasons for Jeudy but it seems as if Jeudy has matured since his tenure in Denver. He will likely be shadowed by former teammate and cornerback Pat Surtain so that matchup will be interesting.

Look for offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey to get Jeudy involved and get him in favorable matchups.