The Raiders opened up as 3.5 point underdogs against the Cleveland Browns. That line has since moved to 2.5, indicating the public’s money is on the Raiders.
Let’s take a look at why.
The Browns and Raiders both average 28 PPG and allow a putrid 30+ PPG on defense. While Cleveland enters this game a perfect 3-0 at home, they haven’t exactly played the stiffest competition in Cincinnati, Washington, and Indianapolis.
The ‘over’ continues to cash in Raider games this year as it is now 5-0-1. The Browns are no stranger to this as they have hit the over in 5 of their last 6. The over/under of 50.5 seems low for two potent offenses and two bad defenses, but with the weather forecast showing 50 wind gusts in Cleveland, expect the Raiders to try and get RB Josh Jacobs back on track in this one. With an assortment of OL pairings across the front all season, Jacobs has looked average since scoring 3 TDs in the opener.
A couple of trends favor the Raiders as they are 4-1 ATS in its last 5 road games. Meanwhile, Cleveland is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games vs AFC opponents.
Everyone knows about the Raiders struggles on defense, but look for that group to play a little better this week against the Browns. Call it a gut feeling.
But the not-so-obvious issue the Raiders have been dealing with this year is a rather disappointing run game. Josh Jacobs hasn’t enjoyed a lot of room to run through six games and he looks like he might be pacing himself a little more than he did a year ago. If the weather is bad on Sunday, the Raiders have to improve on the ground. That’s going to be a huge key to the game.
Vic Tafur, The Athletic
Now let’s look at what a few of the experts are saying about the game…
“People are betting on the Raiders, as this line is coming down from 3.5. I don’t like the matchup. The Browns will throw to running back Kareem Hunt and all of their tight ends, as well as take some shots deep since the Raiders don’t have a pass rush and their shiny, new linebackers have been unimpressive. The Raiders will score points, too, but not enough in the Cleveland cold.”
Clay Travis, Fox Sports Bet
“I love the Raiders here. I love the Raiders coming off a tough loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. We already know that the Raiders have been good enough to go on the road and beat the Chiefs. This is an offense that when it gets rolling can have a lot of success… Let’s just look at the quarterbacks here… it’s almost embarrassing how much better Derek Carr has been than Baker Mayfield.”
Hank Goldberg, Sportsline
“The Browns are missing players on defense and look what the Bengals did to them. Derek Carr and Jon Gruden will put up a lot of points here. You can throw out last week against Tampa Bay, because the Raiders were simply overmatched. That won’t be the case in Cleveland. They’re dangerous getting points against this defense.”
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Enjoy your Sunday!
twitter: @PaulSolvs
twitter: @raidersbeat
