Browns Saints Betting – Saints Won’t Have Many Problems Against Young Browns
Some online betting players think that Cleveland is going to be a decent team when their players get some more experience, but as of right now, the Browns are very green on both sides of the ball. They’re going to get a lesson on Sunday, when they head to New Orleans to face the defending Super Bowl champions.
- What: NFL betting
- When: Sunday, October 24th, 1:00 PM ET
- Where: The SuperDome, New Orleans, LA
- Pick: New Orleans Saints -13
What’s On The Line
The Cleveland Browns (1-5) were spanked 28-10 in Pittsburgh last week, but there were a couple of positives for this young team to pull from this game, namely the play of their rookie quarterback. The Saints (4-2) have been up and down lately, but they rolled to a 31-6 win in Tampa Bay to keep up with Atlanta in the NFC South. The Atlanta Falcons have a tough game against the Cincinnati Bengals this week, so the Saints may be able to get an edge in the division by beating the Browns.
Offensive Matchups: Browns Saints Betting
It was a lot to ask of Colt McCoy to make his first NFL start against a Pittsburgh Steelers defense that was bent on knocking people out of the game. McCoy actually held his own, going 23-of-33 for 281 yards, a touchdown and a pair of picks, showing a lot of poise and looking similar to fellow rookie, Sam Bradford of the Rams, who was also his college rival (McCoy went to Texas, Bradford to Oklahoma). However, the Browns are apparently leaning towards Jake Delhomme, if his ankle holds up. Whoever the quarterback is, they’ll be missing Josh Cribbs and Mohamed Massaquoi, who were concussed by the Steelers’ James Harrison. McCoy really should start, though.
The Saints finally broke out, racking up 475 yards against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and while it was only the Bucs, maybe that’s the spark that the New Orleans Saints needed. Drew Brees was 21-of-32 for 263 yards, three scores and a pick as he moved the offense efficiently down the field; the Saints were 9-of-12 on third down. The Saints also got a boost from rookie running back Chris Ivory, who had 15 carries for 158 yards, and that really opened up the passing game for Brees. The Saints can still explode at any time.
Betting Edge: Saints
Defensive Matchups: Browns Saints Betting
Cleveland was picked apart by Ben Roethlisberger, who missed the first four games of the season due to suspension. So how bad will they get gouged by the Saints? It doesn’t look good for the Browns’ young secondary, who are improving, but it’s going to be a bumpy road. A pass rush would help as the Browns have just 10 sacks on the season, and that leaves the secondary hung out to dry far too often.
New Orleans’ defense did fine against Tampa Bay, holding them to 277 yards, including a paltry 42 yards on 18 carries. However, the Saints got out to a big lead and the Bucs were in catch-up mode, so they really couldn’t run the ball. The Saints are actually seventh in the league defensively, and they’ve had to be more conservative with safety Darren Sharper injured. The Saints aren’t forcing turnovers like last year, but they’re sturdier.
Betting Edge: Saints
Notable Injuries: Browns Saints Betting
Delhomme (ankle) is a big if for this game, but Cribbs (concussion) and Massaquoi (concussion) are both out for sure. Defensive end Robaire Smith (back) may be gone for the year, and center Alex Mack (shoulder) should be able to go, but he’s not even close to 100%.
Sharper (knee) is still out for a while, as is Reggie Bush (knee), but the Saints are pretty healthy overall.
Betting Edge: Saints
Outlook and Pick: Browns Saints Betting
NFL betting odds have the Saints as a 13-point favorite at home, and they’ve lost both of their games with Cleveland at home in their history, falling 21-16 in 1999 and 24-15 in 2002. But the tables should turn and the Saints should roll to an easy win on the strength of an offense that looks like they’ve got their rhythm back. The Browns will have no answer for them, on the ground or through the air, and the Saints may very well drop 40 on them. On the other side of the ball, the Browns can’t run and the Saints are seventh in the league against the pass. You do the math. Take the Saints in a sports betting rout.
Stan’s Pick: New Orleans Saints -13
