Photo credit: mercurynews.com

By Jeremy Harness

The 49ers are 3-0 for the first time in 21 years, and following the bye week that they are currently on, they hope to keep that streak going against a dangerous – but beatable – opponent.

The Cleveland Browns, who gave the Los Angeles Rams a battle last Sunday night but fell 20-13 when they failed to convert in the red zone in the final minute, will make their way into Levi’s Stadium for a Monday night game on Oct. 7.

The Browns boast a few formidable weapons on offense and an improved defense under coordinator Gregg Williams, but they have been wildly inconsistent this year. They have sandwiched a big win over the New York Jets with the loss to the Rams and a 43-13 beatdown at the hands of the Tennessee Titans.

Cleveland has game-breaking wideouts in Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham, Jr. as well as a young quarterback in Baker Mayfield, who does not lack confidence in the slightest case.

However, Mayfield has served as a microcosm of the team as a whole, as a lack of consistency has wreaked havoc on an offense that oozes potential. He has completed 57 percent of his throws this year, to go along with three touchdowns but has also been intercepted five times.

He has struggled in his decision-making at times, and coupled with a 49ers’ pass rush that has set the tone for a defense that has been the key to the team’s 3-0 start, this clearly favors San Francisco.

However, the 49ers have an injury issue that they will need to deal with. Starting corner Ahkello Witherspoon has a foot sprain that is expected to keep him for at least one month, so they will need to find a competent replacement for him in the interim.