Lions vs Browns Odds - Browns to bounce back in preseason opener
The Lions vs Browns odds pits two of the worst teams in each conference against each other. While the Lions were winless last year, the Browns weren’t far behind with just four wins. The Lions appear to be on the up-and-up, though, while the Browns are still in no man’s land. Even so, the Browns will put their home field advantage to good use and cover on Saturday night.
Lions vs Browns odds: Browns -3
- WHAT: NFL betting
- WHEN: Saturday, August 22nd – 7:30 PM ET
- WHERE: Cleveland Browns Stadium – Cleveland, OH
- PICK: Browns -3
Lions vs Browns odds maker breakdown: Offense The Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns are both in the midst of quarterback battles, but the Lions have the better rotation. Daunte Culpepper looked strong in his preseason opener as did rookie Matt Stafford. As a matter of fact, Stafford would have posted even better numbers had Keary Colbert not dropped a few more easy passes. The Lions looked hungry and strong in their opener, and while they are limited by depth, online betting handicappers noticed that the effort was there. Meanwhile, the Browns offense is inept right now. They are having trouble running the ball and moving it through the air is a carry-over problem from last year. Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson both had turnovers in the first preseason game and will need to pick things up. Quinn appears to be leading this race, but that’s almost just by default. Betting Edge: Lions
Lions vs Browns odds maker breakdown: Defense The Lions have made a number of changes to their defense in the offseason, and it’s evident that they’re still building chemistry. But even so, the first string unit handled the Atlanta Falcons fairly well in the opener, holding them to 10 first half-points. The Browns offense is completely useless at the moment, so this should be another good matchup for Detroit. For the Browns, their defense is supposed to be their bread and butter, but the Green Bay Packers had no problems putting up points on them in their opener. Green Bay racked up 231 rushing yards on the Browns in a preseason game. That’s a very ominous sign for the Dawg Pound. Betting Edge: Lions
Lions vs Browns odds maker breakdown: Special Teams Both kicking games are about even, but NFL betting sharps know the Browns have the edge in this matchup with return man Josh Cribbs. A dangerous return man is still something the Lions are looking for on their roster. Betting Edge: Browns
Lions vs Browns odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries The Lions have a number of injuries, which will hamper them in this content. They held out sixteen regulars from their exhibition opener, including the team’s top three wide receivers. For the Browns, defensive tackle Shaun Rogers might be held out again – or play limited action – in this contest, but otherwise, the team is healthy. Betting Edge: Browns
Lions vs Browns betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick The Lions may have the better personnel overall, and they may have more momentum heading into this game, but there is a reason the Browns are favored in the sportsbook. They are at home and they should bounce back from an ugly preseason game in Week 1. Look for them to make some adjustments and cover the field goal spread at home. STAN’S PICK: Browns -3
For more fantasy news, NFL futures and analysis on sports betting, check out the betonline.com Betting Edge daily. Stan Simmons first tasted football through the college game, but his football handicapping has strictly focused on the professional sport. Not many people devote as much time to the NFL as Simmons. For six days a week he works, labors and handicaps the sport, and on the seventh he rests as the games play out. Thoughts or questions?
