The Cleveland Browns had a rough time in Week 8 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The offense and defense both had a rough time in Pittsburgh and will now have to relinquish their lead in the AFC North to their biggest division rivals.

Deshaun Watson and the Browns' offense could never get much going in either the air or on the ground. What had helped Watson for weeks was his mobility, but they had him figured out in this matchup after Week 4. In Week 9, they will be hoping that he can turn things around, along with the team, when they play the New Orleans Saints. The NFC South opponent has been less than they had hoped for this season, so they are ripe for the picking against a Browns team that will be playing with a chip on their shoulder.

By looking at the matchup, we have our eyes on three matchups within the matchup, starting on defense.

Jared Verse vs. Saints' offensive tackles

Jared Verse has got to show up and make an impact sooner rather than later for the Browns. He has been talking a lot, an issue going back to his Los Angeles Rams days, and the results are backing it up. Against the Saints, he has a chance to overwhelm their offensive tackles, due to one being younger and the other being a backup to start the year. If ever there was a week for him to get a sack, make an impact, and make himself the talking point with on-field work versus off of it, it is now.

Denzel Ward vs. Chris Olave

Denzel Ward has been playing one of the best years of his career in 2026. He will have a stiff test in Week 9 when the Browns take on the Saints and their star wide receiver, Chris Olave, who has been among the leaders in the NFL this year. Ward has done a good job of making receivers feel alone in games this year, but Olave is something else. The game could be decided by how well the secondary plays this week, and Ward could dictate things one way or another by himself alone.

Tyler Shough vs. Browns' defensive front

Tyler Shough has looked the part for the Saints in his first season and a half. He can be an efficient passer, he leads this offense well, but can he do it all under pressure? The Browns' defensive front has been effective outside of last week, but that leads me to believe that they will come out strong in Week 9. Look for defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg to come out firing from the first drive and try to make Shough uncomfortable all day on Sunday.