Lions vs Browns Preview — Week 4 at Ford Field
📅 Sunday, Sept. 28 | 🏟️ Ford Field | 1:00 p.m. ET on FOX
Lions vs Browns Preview: A Trap Game in the Making?
I don’t know about you, but I’m getting tired of Cleveland teams. Over the past two weeks, the Guardians have given Detroit fans plenty of headaches. Now, in Week 4 of the NFL season, it’s about payback — this time against the Browns.
On paper, the Lions should handle this matchup. But games like this always make me uneasy. Cleveland comes in with the NFL’s top defense, giving up just over 50 rushing yards and around 140 passing yards per game. That kind of defense travels, and it’s the reason the Browns are always capable of keeping things close.
The Browns are 2–1, but it’s a strange 2–1. They barely survived the Packers last week with a one-point win and beat a Bengals team that played much of Week 1 without Joe Burrow. Their loss came in Week 2, when the Ravens — the same team Detroit just handled — trounced them. That inconsistency makes it hard to judge what kind of team Cleveland really is.
For Detroit, this game feels like a test of Super Bowl contender legitimacy. If the Lions are the team many believe them to be, they must take care of business against a defense-first opponent. A win also sets up an opportunity to sweep the Ohio teams — with Cincinnati on deck — before a massive Sunday night matchup with Kansas City and a Monday night showdown against Tampa Bay.
The Lions are coming off an impressive road win in Baltimore and enter Sunday with the chance to move to 3–1. They’ll be playing at home inside Ford Field, where the energy has been electric, and fans expect another statement victory.
Joe Flacco’s Last Chance
Checking around the web, fans aren’t overly enamoured with Joe Flacco. Even with the 2-1 start, you can’t overlook his stats…which aren’t very good. Here’s the reality for Cleveland, even at 40, Flacco is still their best bet for victory. He’s not putting up gaudy numbers, but his experience and poise have given the Browns stability. He’s 3–0 in his career against Detroit and will be making his 200th career start this week.
Flacco isn’t being asked to carry the Browns — he’s more of a game manager at this stage. Cleveland leans on its defense and hopes Flacco can protect the football, hit timely throws, and capitalize on play-action. Can he lead them to the playoffs? If he avoids turnovers, absolutely. With the defense playing at an elite level, they don’t need him to be spectacular, just steady.
The challenge for Detroit is clear: make Flacco uncomfortable. When pressured, his mobility is limited, and mistakes often follow. If the Lions can replicate the pass rush they unleashed against Lamar Jackson and Baltimore last week, Flacco will struggle to get into rhythm.
🩺 Injury Report
Detroit Lions
- Safety Daniel Thomas is out on injured reserve with a broken forearm.
- Linebacker Jack Campbell is battling through pain but remains active. His toughness has been on full display.
Cleveland Browns
- Offensive tackle Dawand Jones is done for the year with a knee injury.
- Fellow tackle Jack Conklin has been dealing with an elbow issue and may be limited.
- The Browns elevated extra cornerbacks from the practice squad, signaling depth concerns in the secondary.
Detroit’s defensive front should be licking its chops against a banged-up Cleveland offensive line.
Jack Campbell’s Emergence
One thing I’ll be watching closely is the continued growth of Jack Campbell. He’s turning into a rock in the middle of Detroit’s defense — reliable, physical, and increasingly versatile. His presence is steadying, and he looks every bit like a long-term leader for this unit. Last week, he took a shot that left a nasty gash on his upper lip, and honestly, I love that kind of toughness. That’s what a linebacker should be — fierce, resilient, and ready to take on anything thrown his way.
In this matchup, Campbell’s ability to diagnose plays, plug gaps, and provide consistent tackling will be crucial. Against a Browns team that thrives on grinding possessions, Campbell will play a major role in limiting yards after contact and forcing third-and-long situations.
Keys to the Game
- Pressure Flacco: The Lions must duplicate last week’s defensive intensity. A collapsing pocket and disrupted reads will force turnovers.
- Play Action: Detroit’s offense found success with play action in Baltimore. With Cleveland’s defense geared to stop the run, misdirection could open big plays.
- Turnover Battle: The Browns’ defense thrives on takeaways. Protecting the football is the Lions’ top priority.
- Backfield Balance: Even if the rushing yards aren’t huge, Detroit must stay committed to the ground game to keep the Browns honest.
Campbell’s Warning
Head coach Dan Campbell set the tone earlier this week, calling Cleveland’s defense “the toughest we’ve faced yet.” That respect says everything. The Lions know this will be a grind.
Tickets, Fans, and Final Thoughts
The Browns may not be a marquee opponent, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at ticket prices. The cheapest seats I found are going for over $200 — clear proof that the Lions are now the hottest ticket in Detroit. Ford Field will be packed, the roof will keep conditions perfect, and the atmosphere will feel like a playoff game in late September.
As for me, I’ll be watching from home. And if the NFL has taught us anything, it’s that the moment you expect something to go one way, the script flips. The Lions are the better team, but turnovers can quickly swing momentum. Protect the football, and Detroit should take care of business.
Prediction: Lions 27, Browns 17.
And speaking of playoffs, Detroit may see more of Cleveland this week, with the Tigers possibly squaring off against the Guardians starting this Tuesday. A Lions victory this Sunday would set the stage for a miserable week for Cleveland fans, and we wouldn’t have it any other way!
Don’t forget to jump into the Lions Den forum during the game and share your thoughts, predictions, and reactions. This Lions vs Browns Preview could be the moment Detroit proves it’s a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
Go Tigers 🐅 & Go Lions 🦁!!!
Go Tigers 🐅 & Go Lions 🦁!!!
You’ve got that right, Mike!!! Go get em!!!