Cleveland Browns Betting Odds

Team Overview

The Cleveland Browns are entering the 2024/2025 NFL season with a mix of optimism and pressure to perform. After a strong 11-6 finish last season, the Browns are looking to build on their success and make a deeper playoff run. Under head coach Kevin Stefanski, the team is focused on maximizing the potential of their roster, which is filled with talent on both sides of the ball. The Browns are particularly counting on quarterback Deshaun Watson to return to his peak form, which could be pivotal in their quest for postseason success.

Offensive Line Analysis

The Browns boast one of the NFL’s top offensive lines, ranked third by Pro Football Network. This unit is anchored by standout players such as left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. and guards Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller, who provide excellent protection and run-blocking capabilities. The return of center Ethan Pocic and right tackle Jack Conklin adds to the line’s continuity and strength. This formidable line is essential for both protecting Deshaun Watson and paving the way for the rushing attack led by Nick Chubb. The line’s performance will be crucial in maintaining offensive stability, especially against the tough defenses in the AFC North.

Defensive Line Analysis

Cleveland’s defensive line is a cornerstone of their defensive strategy, known for its ability to pressure quarterbacks and control the line of scrimmage. Led by defensive end Myles Garrett, one of the league’s premier pass rushers, the line is expected to be a dominant force. The addition of rookie defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. from Ohio State aims to bolster the interior line, enhancing both the pass rush and run defense. Under defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, the Browns’ defense is built on aggression and high-pressure tactics, which will be key in a division filled with potent offenses.

2024 NFL Season

Week 8 Review – vs. Baltimore Ravens

In Jameis Winston’s first start following Deshaun Watson’s Injury, the QB made a strong impression with three TD passes and 334 aerial yards. Coach Kevin Stefanski already confirmed that he will remain the starting option for the team, and even if it would be weird for him to maintain that level in the long run, there is not much else to lose for Cleveland.

The Browns were able to exploit the issues of an injury-decimated Ravens’ backline, but it’s hard to say that they will have the same luck next week as they face the best defensive team this season, the LA Chargers.

Week 7 Review – vs. Cincinnati Bengals

The Browns were an outside pick for the postseason after their surprising run last season. However, after starting the campaign with a 1-1 record, they forgot how to play football, and the rest is history. Not even facing one of their favorite rivals was enough to pull them out of the pit, and the season is now a mere formality.

The funny thing is that they are getting dismantled by their conference and division rivals, as after letting Amari Cooper leave, they have players on the radar of the Bengals and Ravens. Deshaun Watson was having a terrible season, and to put the cherry on top of the cake, he tore his Achilles tendon last weekend. Cleveland signed Bailey Zappe as a panic acquisition, and Jameis Winston should start this weekend against the Ravens.

Week 6 Review – vs. Philadelphia Eagles

The Browns meltdown continues after another loss, this time against Phili in a game where Jalen Hurts came to life, contrary to Watson, who keeps showing that he is not an elite-level QB. Dustin Hopkins’ kicks were the only thing keeping Cleveland alive in a game where the offense was poor, to say the least.

The most notable thing emerging from the team this week is that the Buffalo Bills acquired wide receiver Amari Cooper in exchange for some draft picks. The franchise is clearly looking towards the long run, but their next challenge is pretty digestible against the Bengals, a team they tend to beat at home.

Week 5 Review – vs. Washington Commanders

The Browns were the new victims of one of the surprises of the season, the Washington Commanders. The team from the capital sealed the deal in the first half, amassing an advantage of 27-3 at home against a team that isn’t precisely what comes to mind when thinking about great comebacks. It was another poor game by the offense of a franchise that hasn’t surpassed the 20-point mark in nine of the last ten games, counting the preseason.

The Browns’ defense isn’t impressive but manages to stay within the top ten of the league. However, they are the 28th team in total points, and with those numbers, they won’t be going anywhere in the NFL. They are not the only team with offensive issues in the division, as the Steelers have similar problems, but Pittsburgh has a 3-2 record and seems like a more solid team overall. Deshaun Watson had another discrete game, and everything points out that he is not the right man to lead the team.

Week 4 Review – vs. Las Vegas Raiders

The Browns lost again, this time visiting the LV Raiders. After a promising start to the game, achieving a 10-0 advantage in the first quarter, the locals were capable of shutting down Cleveland’s offense and leaving them blank for two quarters. Deshaun Watson disappeared after his TD pass with five minutes of the first quarter left, completing 24 passes with no major effect and suffering one interception.

The star of the night was Daniel Carlson for the locals, who achieved the turnaround with his field goals and kicks. Now, they must face a Washington Commanders team on good form next Sunday, again as visitors, so a 1-4 start is totally on the cards for the Browns.

Week 3 Review – vs. NY Giants

In one of the slowest games this weekend, a furious couple of minutes for Malik Nabers and Daniel Jones in the second quarter gave the victory to the Giants against the Browns. Cleveland received yet another hit in its quest for consecutive qualifications for the postseason, which would be the first in many years.

Despite their victory against an even poorer Jags team, the Browns are one of the worst offensive teams in the league at the moment, failing to surpass the 20-point mark in their three attempts already. There were coordinator changes in the offseason to better fit Deshaun Watson, but the team’s offense lacks imagination and identity.

Their next challenge is against the Raiders (1-2), in a game that could be a cornerstone for their season.

Week 2 Review – vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

As we said before, the duel against the Jaguars would be much more digestible for the Browns, and that was exactly the case, as the team from Florida was obliterated by an excellent game for Dustin Hopkins, who did as he wanted in the first three quarters. 3/3 field goals for a 100% percentage and 10 points all by himself. The Jaguars tried to wake up towards the end, but an Alex Wright safety put final numbers to the game with a little less than two minutes left.

Now Cleveland receives a pretty poor team of the Giants for a game that could serve to start a winning streak that gets their season running for good.

Week 1 Review – vs. Dallas Cowboys

As we predicted in our preview, an impetuous team of the Browns fell victim to the Dallas Cowboys, who keep being a regular season powerhouse, 17-33. Deshaun Watson had a poor game as the new starting QB for Cleveland, suffering two interceptions and getting just over 50% efficiency in passing. This raises questions regarding the departure of Baker Mayfield, as he had an excellent game for the Buccaneers.

Either way, the team that was one of last season’s surprises is willing to repeat the feat, and this Sunday, they’ll have a much more digestible challenge against the Jaguars, although it will be as visitors.

Odds to Win Division and Super Bowl

– Odds to Win AFC North: +450, indicating a competitive position within a strong division.

– Odds to Win Super Bowl: +3500, suggesting a 2.8% chance, which places them as a middle-tier contender.

Predictions

– Overall Record: The Browns are projected to finish with a 9-8 record, considering their challenging schedule and the need for consistent quarterback play.

– Playoff Chances: With odds of +144 to make the playoffs, the Browns have a reasonable chance of securing a postseason berth, though it will require overcoming strong divisional rivals.

– Super Bowl Chances: While the Browns have talent across the roster, their long odds reflect the need for significant contributions from Deshaun Watson and the defense to make a serious championship push.

In summary, the Cleveland Browns are poised for a competitive 2024/2025 season, with a strong foundation in both their offensive and defensive lines. Their success will largely depend on Deshaun Watson’s performance and the defense’s ability to maintain its high standards. As they aim to improve upon last year’s playoff appearance, the Browns are focused on consistency and execution to navigate the challenges of the AFC North and beyond.