Week 3 of the NFL is just about here and that means the Cleveland Browns hosting the Tennessee Titans.

Both teams come in at 1-1 and want to trend in the right direction in the AFC, so this week is important for an early season game.

Tennessee is coming off of a good win over the Los Angeles Chargers, they’re built much like the Steelers, who the Browns just lost to. They’re going to play good defense, the offense isn’t explosive, and they’re well-coached.

Going into this one, there are three players I’m keeping an eye on in a Titans uniform.

RB Derrick Henry

Henry is regarded as one of the best running backs in the NFL for good reason. On the season, Henry has 143 rushing yards on 40 attempts. Unfortunately for the Browns, he’s due for that big game. 

The Titans want to run the offense through Henry, that’s no secret. Tennessee will give Henry a minimum of 20 touches a game. He’s a factor in the receiving game and play action off of him works very well.

Cleveland can’t let Henry beat them down in the running game because it won’t bode well. With the improved defense and run defense, the Browns need to contain Henry to short-yardage and they’ll have a great chance by putting Ryan Tannehill in must-pass situations.

DT Jeffery Simmons

Last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Browns’ interior of the offensive line had some issues with lesser talent across from them. They’ll have to step up their game quite a bit this week, as Simmons is one of the best in the game.

Wyatt Teller and Ethan Pocic will have to be better specifically for the Browns. It’ll be Cleveland’s first game without Nick Chubb for the entire duration. Cleveland will need to establish the run with Jerome Ford and Kareem Hunt early on.

Numbers show through two games, Simmons may be on his way to his best season yet. Cleveland can’t let the All-Pro level player wreck things. He gets after the quarterback often so Deshaun Watson’s ball security will be key.

WR DeAndre Hopkins

Simply put, Cleveland can not allow Hopkins to have his first big game with the Titans against them. He’s questionable, but if Hopkins plays, he’s going to have to be a point of emphasis for the Browns’ defense.

Yes, Hopkins is just a shell of his former self. Though, Hopkins is still a very good player that can make you pay. Browns figure to have Denzel Ward on him the majority of the time, Martin Emerson Jr. Could see some time against him as well.

Last week against the Chargers, Hopkins had four catches resulting in 40 yards. If the Browns could limit him to those numbers, that would be ideal. 

Greg Newsome II misses third straight practice before Browns host Titans

Not looking good for the third year cornerback in Week 3.

Featured image via Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports.