Titans Browns Betting – Tennessee “D” Steps Up In Low-Scoring Clash
Sports betting players shouldn’t expect a lot of scoring in Cleveland as the Browns host Tennessee in Week 4 action, as both offenses are very deliberate while trying to minimize their mistakes. However, take the road team as their quarterback has more experience and their defense will pressure the home quarterback into some mistakes.
What: NFL Betting
When: Sunday, October 2nd, 1:00 PM ET
Where: Browns Stadium, Cleveland, OH
Pick: Tennessee Titans
Why Bet On Tennessee Titans (2-1 SU, 1-2 ATS)
Matt Hasselbeck has been great for the Titans so far this year, and he led Tennessee to a 17-14 win over Denver at home by throwing a 4-yard pass to Daniel Graham with 4:24 to go in the game. Hasselbeck was 27-of-36 for 311 yards and two scores, and he’s been impressive without much of a running game (more on that shortly). Nate Washington had eight catches for 92 yards and a touchdown and the Titans will need more of that throughout the season. But then there is the No.1-ranked defense, which forced a pair of turnovers and held the Broncos to 231 yards in total, including 59 yards on the ground. The Titans aren’t an offensively explosive team, so the defense has to continue to hold up to give them a chance, but so far, so good.
Here is where the news gets bad for Tennessee: receiver Kenny Britt is likely gone for the season with torn knee ligaments suffered in the Denver game, and that robs the Titans of their deep threat and most dynamic wideout. Running back Chris Johnson had 13 carries for 21 yards, and fans are going to start getting restless if he doesn’t start to produce after holding out. These two are the gamebreakers on Tennessee’s offense, and unless Johnson can get it going, their offense may get more conservative. Look for the Titans to try and get the tight ends more involved unless other receivers can step up to fill the void left by Britt. Also, the Titans committed 11 penalties and that is something they’ll have to rectify.
Why Bet On Cleveland Browns (2-1 SU, 2-1 ATS)
NFL betting players watched the Browns pull out their own late victory as Mohamed Massaquoi caught 14-yard pass from Colt McCoy for a score in a 17-16 home win over Miami, and they did it with running back Peyton Hillis (illness) on the sidelines. McCoy wasn’t that good overall, going 19-of-39 for 210 yards, two touchdowns and a pick, but he was solid when he had to be and even though McCoy isn’t a physical specimen, he knows how to win. Montario Hardesty had 14 carries for 67 yards in Hillis’ absence, so the Browns shouldn’t be afraid to go to him again if Hillis can’t go, although there is a strong possibility he’ll be back. Defensively, the Browns had five sacks on the day and they forced a pair of turnover, and they’re in a similar situation to Tennessee as the offense isn’t one that will win many shootouts. The Browns have to be able to hold teams defensively to give the offense a chance.
The Browns will be watching the status of rookie defensive tackle Phil Taylor, who had his first NFL sack and racked up seven tackles, including four on his own. Taylor sprained his knee but continued to play for the Browns, so don’t expect much out of him this week in practice if he is going to play on Sunday. Cleveland also racked up eight penalties, three of which moved the chains for Miami, and the Browns must have better discipline.
How It Will Play Out
Expect the Browns to enter this game as the NFL betting favorites at home, and they’re 3-2 SU and ATS in their last five meetings with Tennessee since 2001, with three games going over the posted total. They’re 1-1 SU and ATS against the Titans in Cleveland, with one game going over the total, but defense will likely be the story in this game as neither offense will want to get into a shootout.
This game will be a battle of game-managing quarterbacks, and the edge goes to Hasselbeck and the Titans. The Browns have a chance to pull it off with a 100% healthy Hillis, which takes some of the pressure off McCoy, but the Tennessee defense is very solid. Also, look for Johnson to have a much better game coming out of the backfield for the Titans, who should pull out the upset in your online betting book in Week 4.
Titans Browns Betting Pick: Tennessee Titans
