Browns vs. 49ers Week 13 predictions: Does Cleveland have some magic in the tank?

The Cleveland Browns take on the San Francisco 49ers this Sunday. An 8-4 team against a 3-8 team sounds like a big mismatch on paper, but Cleveland has the mojo going with a renewed defensive prowess, big-play potential on offense, and weather conditions that could slow down the 49ers.

Here is what the national media is saying about the Week 13 game between the Browns and 49ers:

This will be Shedeur Sanders making his first home start for the Browns. He was solid last week in the victory over the Raiders. But it’s the Browns defense that will be the difference here. They are suffocating. Look for Brock Purdy to have troubles against them, yet he will find a way to win a close one late.

The Browns’ defense will rev up Myles Garrett to get to Brock Purdy on the other side of Trent Williams. Garrett’s pressure can contain Purdy from pushing the ball downfield to his wide receivers and tight end George Kittle. But then Christian McCaffrey will a key factor on shorter passes in open field. Sheduer Sanders gets a big break seeing a 49ers defense without Nick Bosa or Fred Warner. San Franicsco grinds this out with plenty of CMC and a takeaway or two.

The Browns have won two of their last three games and Shedeur Sanders will get another start here. Myles Garrett has 13 of his 18 sacks in the last four games. Rain and snow is in the forecast, too. The Browns won 19-17 in the teams’ last meeting in Cleveland. San Francisco gets out with a win on a short week — but keep in mind Cleveland is 4-0 ATS at home.

Below are our Week 13 NFL staff picks: