Monday Night Football betting - Browns vs Bills odds
Posted on 11/12/2008 10:03:12 AM
By Blake Frazier
Browns vs Bills betting: a Monday Night special
-
WHO: Browns vs Bills (-4)
-
WHAT: NFL betting
-
WHEN: Monday, November 17 at 8:30 p.m. ET
-
WHERE: Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo, NY
-
KEY STAT: The total has gone OVER in six of Buffalo's last eight games at home
-
PICK: Buffalo
Browns vs Bills odds have now been posted, and immediately NFL football betting sharps are thinking back to the mess that resulted from these two teams meeting last December. In what is now being dubbed the “Snow Bowl,” the Browns sneaked past the Bills 8-0 during a Cleveland winter storm. However, early weather reports suggest the weather will be much tamer for this year’s tilt.
It’s not just the weather that will be different, though. The Browns vs Bills matchup has undergone a complete 180 degree turn from last season, as suddenly Buffalo has playoff aspirations and Cleveland is merely playing for pride. While the Browns were favored by more than a touchdown on NFL betting lines last season, this year’s Browns vs Bills line favors the home team by four.
Unfortunately, the Bills’ postseason aspirations took quite a hit last week, falling to division rival New England 20-10—their third consecutive divisional loss. Once praised for their offensive scheming, head coach Dick Jauron and coordinator Turk Schonert are much maligned, after sinking all the way to 20th in the NFL in total scoring.
Similarly, quarterback Trent Edwards has gone from MVP candidate to whipping boy after a dismal 13 of 20, 120 yard performance, resulting in a passer rating of 49.2 last Sunday. Marshawn Lynch won’t have an easy time with Cleveland’s tough run stoppers and will struggle to attain his first 100-yard rushing game of the year on Monday. The California grad managed just 46 yards on 14 carries last week against a battered Patriots defensive line.
The Browns come in as underdogs on NFL betting odds and seemingly have deeper problems than the Bills. Running back Jamal Lewis accused the team of “quitting” after the Browns failed to cover NFL football spreads in an embarrassing 34-30 loss to the Broncos on Thursday night.
Although Denver had lost the services of every single one of their running backs, Cleveland could not figure out a defensive scheme to stop Jay Cutler, surrendering 472 passing yards.
On the bright side, sophomore quarterback Brady Quinn made a terrific NFL debut, throwing for 239 yards and two touchdowns. The former Notre Dame pivot seems to have developed terrific chemistry with tight end Kellen Winslow, who racked up 111 receiving yards against the Broncos.
STAN’S PICK: While the Browns vs Bills spread favors Buffalo, it is Cleveland which comes in with the momentum advantage in terms of on-field performance. Brady Quinn will be making his first road start and will be pumped up to collect his first NFL win.
Additionally, nobody seems more motivated than Jamal Lewis, and if the Bills linebacker corps struggled with BenJarvus Green-Ellis of the Patriots, they’ll be in for a treat with the former NFL rushing champion. When making a Browns vs Bills pick, bet on the Browns.
For more NFL spreads and Browns vs Bills betting, be sure to check out The Betting Edge at BetOnline.com.
Blake walked
onto his college football team and had a brief stint as an assistant coach
after he graduated. He brings a sharp mind to the world of sports handicapping.
Blake understands the nuances of the game that only someone who has played
would understand. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
