Pats look to get even in Cleveland

Nick Chubb is in a class by himself this season, leading the league in rushing yards (593), rushing touchdowns (7) and 20-yard-plus rushes (7). Behind a big, physical offensive line, Chubb and teammate Kareem Hunt (247 rushing yards) are the engines that have kept the Browns afloat, and any Patriots gameplan must start with finding a way to contain them and all the damage that they are capable. Good tackling and sound run fits will be critical. Last year, the Pats caught a break when they faced the Browns without Chubb or Hunt. They won’t be so fortunate this week.

Cooper (27 catches, 104 yards, three touchdowns) joins with Donovan Peoples-Jones (16 catches, 191 yards) as the Browns top receiving options. While Jacoby Brissett shouldn’t be expected to light the league on fire through the air, his receivers have been valuable outlets and contributed in some key spots as Cleveland battled through five close games so far. Cooper still has elite receiving ability and will get his share of targets if the Patriots are able to contain the Browns’ rushing attack.

Tight end Njoku has been productive as well despite playing with a backup quarterback, with a reliable 24 catches on 28 targets for 289 yards. Last week, the Patriots had an excellent play against the Lions, holding tight end T.J. Hockenson to just one catch. They’ll need a similar effort against Brissett’s safety blanket, with tight ends Kyle Dugger and Adrian Phillips expected to play a big role in keeping the short passing game under wraps.

Garrett returned to the field last week after getting in a scary car accident from which he sustained a collection of minor injuries. Usually, Garrett is a world-class game wrecker, but he had a quiet day last week against the Chargers, registering just one tackle and no sacks though he was able to play 82% of the snaps. Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney are really…