Cleveland Browns Archives

Cleveland Browns at New York Giants Betting Preview

Sunday, December 20, 2020, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, 8:20 p.m. ET

Browns at Giants Betting Preview: Browns (-5/-112), Giants (+5/-109)

Cleveland Browns

Baker Mayfield has the Browns (9-4) in contention for their first playoff berth since the 2002 season, even though the team dropped a 47-42 decision to Baltimore on Monday. Mayfield has totaled nine touchdowns (eight passing, one rushing) over his last three games and recorded season-high totals in passing yards in each of his last two.

The Browns’ bread and butter is their two-headed rushing attack of Nick Chubb (team-leading 881 yards) and Kareem Hunt (772 yards), who are the key components to the NFL’s third-ranked rushing attack (156.2 yards per game). The duo combined for 213 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns versus the Ravens.

Jarvis Landry, who leads the team in catches (60) and receiving yards (728), has collected 22 receptions for 257 yards and two touchdowns over his last three games. Rashard Higgins has the most touchdown receptions among the team’s wideouts with four, including one in each of the past two contests.

New York Giants

The Giants (5-8) enter Sunday’s clash with a question under center, as Daniel Jones is nursing both a hamstring injury and sprained ankle. Should the second-year quarterback be unable to play against Cleveland, veteran Colt McCoy will get the nod against the team that selected him in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft.

Evan Engram has proven to be a capable outlet for whomever is under center for the Giants. Engram has a team-leading 50 receptions to serve as one of three NFC tight ends to reach that plateau this season.

New York will look to pick up the pieces after seeing its four-game winning streak come to a halt with a 26-7 setback to Arizona. Locating some semblance of offense would be of great help, considering the Giants have mustered just 43 points over their last three games and were limited to a Dion Lewis 1-yard touchdown against the Cardinals.

Browns at Giants Betting Pick for Week 15

The NFL opted to flex these two teams into the primetime slot, although that likely will only mean a bigger audience to see either Jones or McCoy sent unceremoniously to their backs on Sunday. New York quarterbacks have been sacked an NFL third-worst 41 times this season — including eight by the Cardinals last week — heading into a date with Myles Garrett (10.5 sacks) and former Giant Olivier Vernon (7.0 sacks).

Cleveland’s defense likely will get back on track after being shredded by Baltimore.

Browns at Giants Betting Pick:

Browns 31, Giants 16

Browns at Giants Best Bet for Week 15

Like him or not (and there’s plenty to support both arguments), Mayfield appears to have grown comfortable in Kevin Stefanski’s offense. A potent ground game will open doors for a passing attack that should be able to move the ball against a Giants’ team that is not ready for primetime.

Browns at Giants Best Bet: OVER 44 total points (-114)

Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns Betting Preview

Monday, December 14, 2020, FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio, 8:15 p.m. ET

Ravens at Browns Betting Preview: Ravens (-2.5/-110), Browns (+2.5/-110)

Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore (7-5) rolled to a 38-6 victory when the teams met in Week 1 but now finds itself in must-win mode even after a solid 34-17 victory over Dallas on Tuesday. The Ravens rolled up 294 rushing yards against the Cowboys and figure to unleash their top-ranked rushing attack (169 yards per game) against Cleveland as quarterback Lamar Jackson (94 rushing yards Tuesday) exhibited fresh legs after missing a game due to a positive COVID-19 test. Jackson established season highs of 275 passing yards and three touchdowns in the win over Cleveland during a season in which he has failed to reach 200 yards in seven of his 11 games played.

Wideout Marquise Brown has team-best totals of 41 catches and 555 yards, and the passing attack will be fortified by the return of tight end Mark Andrews (team-leading six receiving touchdowns) after he missed back-to-back games while on the COVID-19 list. Standout outside linebacker Matthew Judon (four sacks) also returns from a two-game stay on the COVID-19 list to aid a unit that rates third in scoring defense (19.3 points per game). Rookie linebacker Patrick Queen has a team-high 84 tackles and notched his first career interception in the victory over the Cowboys.

Veteran cornerback Jimmy Smith (groin) sat out Thursday’s practice but could return after a one-game absence. Wideout Dez Bryant will miss his second straight contest after being placed on the COVID-19 list on Thursday.

Cleveland Browns

The Browns (9-3) are looking for their fifth consecutive win as they work toward ending a 17-season playoff drought. Cleveland clinched a winning campaign for the first time since 2007 with last week’s 45-38 victory over the Tennessee Titans, and the Browns are much improved from the version of the squad that was trampled by the Ravens in September. The Browns feature the second-best running attack in the NFL (157.8 yards per game) as Nick Chubb (799 yards in eight games) and Kareem Hunt (739 in 12 contests) have formed a prolific duo.

Quarterback Baker Mayfield passed for four touchdowns and a season-high 334 yards against the Titans and has season totals of 2,442 yards and 21 scores against seven interceptions. Star defensive end Myles Garrett is tied for third in the NFL with 10.5 sacks, and he has dropped the quarterback 41 times in just 47 career games. Garrett has forced four fumbles for a unit that has 20 takeaways (10 interceptions, 10 fumbles), which is tied for third in the league.

Cornerback Denzel Ward (calf) has a chance to return after a two-game absence. Center JC Tretter and right tackle Jack Conklin are both dealing with knee ailments. The duo of Chubb and Hunt certainly hope those two are on the field to keep the running game churning.

Ravens at Browns Betting Pick for Week 14

The Ravens are well-accustomed to the Monday night stage, but Cleveland hasn’t been much of an attraction in recent years. How the Browns handle the hype and the change in day-of-game routine will be part of the challenge.

Baltimore looks ready to make a late-season charge after being beaten down by the COVID-19 issues. The Ravens badly need a victory Monday night to bolster their playoff chances.

Ravens at Browns Betting Pick:

Browns 27, Ravens 24

Ravens at Browns Best Bet for Week 14

Both teams can make big plays out of their run game, which is particularly important for the Ravens. Mayfield is coming off a superb game, and another strong performance tilts this game over the point total.

Ravens at Browns Best Bet: OVER 47.5 total points (-105)

5 NFL Prop Bets To Watch This Weekend

Last weekend saw some ridiculous action around the NFL, including a could-have-should-have-somehow-didn’t win for the Jets and the Steelers lose for the first time.

As we inch closer to the postseason, here are five prop bets we’ve got our eye on this weekend.

Over/Under: Jared Goff (-113) throws for more than 271.5 yards against the Patriots

Prediction: Under

After a somewhat slow start to the season, it looks like both of these teams have finally found their footing. The 6-6 Pats travel to LA to face the 8-4 Rams on Thursday evening.

Entering the game, Los Angeles ranks sixth in the league in passing offense, averaging 271.2 yards per game. While the Pats may not be as fearsome as they were last year, New England has the seventh-ranked scoring defense in the NFL this season. New England’s defense ranks 13th against the pass (225.8 yards/game).

So what gives? My prediction is the Rams focus on attacking the Patriots on the ground; New England is in the bottom-half of the league against the run.

Minnesota (+116) will be the first team to score in the Vikings-Buccaneers game

Prediction: Yes

The game between the Buccaneers and the Vikings could have major NFC playoff implications: Tampa Bay is projected to be the sixth seed in the NFC while the Vikings would be the seventh seed. The winner of this game will significantly increase their chances to reach the 2020 postseason.

This one comes down to the coin flip, but I’m more confident the Vikings defense can get a game-opening stop and put points on the board than Tampa holding Dalvin Cook and Justin Jefferson down early in the game.

Over/Under: 5.5 combined passing TDs in the Bills-Steelers game.

Prediction: Over

Sunday night could feature one of the best regular-season games of the year. The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to bounce back after suffering a disappointing loss at the hands of the Washington Football Team, ending their bid for an undefeated season. On the other side, the 9-3 Buffalo Bills are looking to continue building their confidence heading to the playoffs.

This game features two of the best passing attacks in the NFL. Buffalo ranks fourth in passing touchdowns this season while the Steelers rank sixth. Also, the Bills (fifth) and Steelers (11th) are among the league leaders in team Quarterback Rating.

In his last five games, Josh Allen has completed 72.6% of his passes and thrown 10 passing TDs. In his last five contests, Ben Roethlisberger’s has found the end zone more frequently than Allen (12 TDs to 3 INTs). I anticipate both QBs finding success come Sunday night.

This is a primetime game that will have a huge impact on how the AFC playoff race shakes out.

Over/Under: 299.5 total rushing yards in the Ravens-Browns game

Prediction: Under

The 9-3 Browns are coming off one of the best wins in recent franchise history, hammering the Titans 41-35 last week. Baltimore is hoping they can turn things around after winning only two of their previous six outings. The Ravens desperately need this game if they want to keep their playoff dreams alive while the Browns are looking to lock in a playoff berth.

This matchup will feature the top two rushing offenses in the NFL. The Ravens have the number one rushing attack in the league (169 rushing yards per game). Cleveland is right on their heels (pun intended), ranking second in the league at 157.8 yards per game on the ground.

Will these teams maintain their season averages on the ground, or will the opposing coaching staff try to take away the run game? My bet is to take the under in this prop – both sides will focus on the run (which means check Baker Mayfield’s props this weekend as well).

The Chiefs (+155) will be the last team to score a TD in the KC-MIA game

Prediction: No

After starting the year 1-3, the Dolphins have rebounded to win seven of their last eight – all while making multiple changes at the quarterback position. Kansas City, on the other hand, saw their chances at the top seed in the AFC increase dramatically when the Steelers lost to Baltimore. And they have no questions or concerns under center.

Miami is battling for a playoff spot and they’ve shown a lot of heart, but Kansas City’s offense is almost impossible to slow down. While I believe the Chiefs will win this game, I’m betting the Dolphins put points on the board last.

OddsUSA’s NFL Best Picks for Week 13

Greetings NFL fans. Here’s hoping you and your families had a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Last week, we had a couple of interesting events unfold. First, all of the quarterbacks for the Denver Broncos were out of the mix due to COVID-19 protocol. Second, after hanging tough with the Kansas City Chiefs, the Las Vegas Raiders were blown out by the Atlanta Falcons to the tune of 43-6.

And last, but certainly not least, I predicted wins for the Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, and the Kansas City Chiefs. And for the first time in several weeks, I was correct on each of those selections, giving me a 3-0 week.

As a result, my overall record improved to 28-7 on the season. While it was nice to finally hit on each of those picks, Week 12 is in the books now and it is time to look ahead to the upcoming slate of games. Having said that, here’s a look at my top outright picks for Week 13.

Week 13 NFL Best Bet No. 3:

Cleveland Browns at Tennessee Titans (-4)

If you’ve been following my column at any point during the season, my first pick usually involves a matchup that could go either way, and that is certainly the case here. Both teams are coming off wins in Week 12. The Browns narrowly edged the Jacksonville Jaguars by a 27-25 margin. Meanwhile, the Titans defeated the Indianapolis Colts 45-26. Additionally, both of these teams have posted three wins in their last four contests. While both teams have a formidable running game, the Titans are a bit more balanced from an offensive standpoint and that will help them to come away with a win in what should be a very competitive game between a pair of teams with an identical 8-3 record.

James’ pick: Titans win in a close one

Week 13 NFL Best Bet No. 2:

Las Vegas Raiders (-7.5) at New York Jets

Sure, the Raiders have dropped their last two games. Sure, the Raiders are coming off one of their poorest showings of the season against the Falcons. On the flip side of the coin, though, the Jets have yet to win a game this season. Yes, the jury is still out on how good the Raiders are. At the same time, this is the winless Jets we’re talking about here. On the heels of two straight losses, and their playoff hopes starting to look a bit dim, look for the Raiders to bounce back in a big way here.

James’ pick: Raiders get back into the win column

James’ NFL Best Bet of Week 13:

Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs (-13.5)

There is a reason why the defending champs have been one of my best bets several times during the season and that trend will continue in Week 13. On one side of this matchup, the Broncos are 4-7 and have dropped three of their last four contests. On the flip side of the equation, the defending champs have reeled off six straight victories since suffering a 40-32 loss against the Raiders in Week 5. Not only that, but the Chiefs’ aerial attack is rounding into form, and just at the right time. In fact, Patrick Mahomes has posted four consecutive games in which he has thrown for at least 350 yards. This includes a season-best 462-yard performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week. Simply put, the Chiefs are one of the hottest teams in the league right now and they will win this one going away. It would be a surprise if the Chiefs didn’t win this one by at least 10 points.

James’ pick: Chiefs win outright and by at least 10 points

Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars Betting Preview

Sunday, November 29, 2020, TIAA Bank Stadium, Jacksonville, Fla., 1 p.m. ET

Browns at Jaguars Betting Preview: Browns (-6.5/-105), Jaguars (+6.5/-115)

Cleveland Browns

The Browns (7-3) will go for their third win in a row when they visit the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday afternoon. Cleveland is coming off back-to-back wins against the Houston Texans and Philadelphia Eagles, both of which took place on its home field.

Now the Browns go back on the road, where they are 2-2 this season. Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield has thrown for 1,850 yards, 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions heading into Week 8. He is aiming for his fourth game in a row without an interception.

Nick Chubb paces the Browns’ ground attack. He has eclipsed 100 rushing yards in back-to-back games. Teammate Kareem Hunt had a rushing touchdown last week and will try to top 70 yards from scrimmage for the fourth time in five games.

Jacksonville Jaguars

At 1-9, the Jaguars have the worst record in the NFL of any team not named the New York Jets. Jacksonville won the season opener and has lost nine in a row since then, including a 27-3 setback last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Uncertainty at quarterback has been a big part of the Jaguars’ woes.

Gardner Minshew opened the season as starter before sustaining a thumb injury and giving way to rookie Jake Luton, and now journeyman Mike Glennon will make the start against Cleveland. Glennon has appeared in 29 career games, starting 22, and has thrown for 36 touchdowns and 20 interceptions.

Jaguars wide receiver DJ Chark could be Glennon’s top target in the passing game. Chark has 50-plus receiving yards in two of his past three games.

Browns at Jaguars Betting Pick for Week 12

The Browns are on a hot streak, and the Jaguars are in disarray. The switch to Glennon could stabilize the Jaguars’ offense a bit, but he never has proved capable of holding on to a starting job in the NFL. Look for Cleveland to keep rolling with its third win in a row and its eighth victory of the season.

Browns at Jaguars Betting Pick: Browns 27, Jaguars 13

Browns at Jaguars Best Bet for Week 12

Both teams could opt for a safe, run-first offensive game plan. The Browns are better in that category, as well as nearly every other category against the Jaguars. Look for a low-scoring game as Cleveland controls time of possession and strives to limit mistakes.

Browns at Jaguars Best Bet: UNDER 49.5 total points (-110)

NFL Hall Of Famer Willie Davis Dies

Former Packers and Browns Defensive End passed away Wednesday

Earlier today, the Pro Football Hall Of Fame announced that Willie Davis, who played defensive end in the NFL for 12 years, passed away. The Hall of Fame’s President and CEO released the following statement about Davis:

“It is with great sadness the entire Pro Football Hall of Fame family mourns the passing of Willie Davis. Willie’s extraordinary athleticism was an undeniable factor in Green Bay’s winning tradition of the 1960s under Coach Lombardi. He helped the Packers through an unprecedented championship run and to two Super Bowl victories. Willie was a man of true character on and off the field. The Hall of Fame will forever keep his legacy alive to serve as inspiration to future generations.”
David Baker, Pro Football Hall Of Fame President/CEO

Willie Davis was born in Lisbon, Louisiana on July 24th, 1934. In college, he played as both an Offensive Tackle and Defensive End at Grambling State University where he graduated in 1956.

Davis was drafted in the 15th round of the 1956 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. However, he did not begin his NFL career until 1958 because of military service in the US Army. After moving around and playing a series of different positions with the Browns, Davis was eventually traded to the Green Bay Packers in 1960.

Davis was made a permanent Defensive End by Vince Lombardi following that trade, becoming a fixture of the 1960s Packers. Willie Davis played for Green Bay for ten years, making 134 starts in 138 regular-season games. He was also a member of all five of Vince Lombardi’s championship-winning teams.

Willie Davis played for 12 years in the NFL until retiring in 1969. During his career, he played in 162 games which includes a streak of 138 consecutive regular-season starts. He was named to five consecutive Pro Bowls from 1963 to 1967 and also earned All-Pro First Team Honors five times. He went on to be named a member of the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1960s. Willie Davis was later inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1981, 12 years after retiring from the NFL. Willie Davis was 85 years old.