These two teams have matched up in some of the greatest games in NFL history and have a long run of meaningful and exciting matchups. While this one may lack the shine of some of those previous matchups, this game is massive nonetheless: both teams need to save their season with a win.

One could argue and say going to 3-4 in a 17 game season isn't the end of the world, and several teams have come back to have fantastic seasons after slow starts. But coming off of a three-game losing streak like the Broncos are doing and the Browns coming off an embarrassing home loss to the Cardinals last week, both teams are ready to get going and get back on track.

Another thing these two teams have in common right now is injuries. I thought the Broncos had it bad until I heard that the Browns have around 20 players on the injured list, including their two starting running backs, wide receivers, and just in as of Wednesday, their starting quarterback Baker Mayfield will be sidelined during Thursday Night's matchup as well.

The Broncos will be without starting linebackers Josey Jewell, Alexander Johnson (both out for the season), as well as wide receiver KJ Hamler and Jerry Jeudy, who was recently activated from injured reserve but isn't expected to suit up until the next game against Washington.

These two teams have met 27 times and Denver has taken 21 of those, including a 10-2 record in Cleveland. The Broncos and Browns have also played in three AFC Championship games, all won by the Broncos, with two of those still being considered some of the greatest games in NFL history: "The Drive" and "The Fumble".

Both teams need this game bad. Kickoff is set for 6:20 p.m. local time. Here's how they match up.

 

How The Broncos And The Browns Stack Up

Denver Broncos Forgotten Players

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