The Cleveland Browns continue to be one of the league’s most unpredictable teams, showing flashes of brilliance one week and glaring weaknesses the next. Their matchup against the Minnesota Vikings was another rollercoaster — full of standout moments, costly errors, and clear takeaways on which players are trending up or down as the season heats up.
Let’s take a closer look at whose stock is rising and falling after the Browns’ battle with the Vikings.
📈 Stock Up
1. Myles Garrett – DE
Once again, Myles Garrett proved why he’s one of the most feared defenders in football. He consistently disrupted the Vikings’ offense, applying pressure on nearly every passing down. His relentless motor and leadership continue to anchor a Browns defense that remains one of the most physical in the NFL.
2. Jerome Ford – RB
With Nick Chubb still out, Ford has stepped into the spotlight and continues to impress. He ran with power, patience, and vision, giving Cleveland the balance it needed to stay competitive. Ford’s rise could make the Browns rethink their backfield rotation going forward.
3. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah – LB
“JOK” was flying around the field, making crucial tackles and blowing up plays behind the line of scrimmage. His athleticism and instincts make him one of Cleveland’s most valuable defenders, and his stock is definitely climbing.
📉 Stock Down
1. Deshaun Watson – QB
It’s been an uneven stretch for Watson, who once again struggled with accuracy and timing. While he flashed moments of his old form, inconsistency and missed reads continue to hold this offense back. The Browns need their franchise QB to regain his confidence and rhythm fast.
2. Amari Cooper – WR
Cooper’s usually reliable hands let him down this week, and he was largely neutralized by Minnesota’s secondary. His connection with Watson didn’t look sharp, and his production dipped as a result.
3. Offensive Line Depth
Injuries have tested Cleveland’s offensive line, and it showed. The protection broke down too often against the Vikings’ blitz packages, forcing Watson into uncomfortable throws and limiting the running game’s rhythm.
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🧩 Final Takeaway
The Browns are still searching for consistency, especially on offense. While the defense continues to perform at a high level, the offense remains a work in progress. With a crucial stretch of games ahead, head coach Kevin Stefanski will need his stars to step up — and for some struggling players to right the ship quickly.
If Cleveland can smooth out the rough edges, they still have the pieces to make a serious playoff push. But after this game, one thing’s for sure — the Browns’ stock is as volatile as ever.