Tag: NFL Totals

How many games will the Cleveland Browns win in 2020?

Assessing the Cleveland Browns’ projected win total for the 2020 NFL season, with best bets for their Over/Under.

How many games will the  Cleveland Browns win in the 2020 NFL season? We look at BetMGM‘s projected win total and the Over/Under odds, while looking back at the 2019 season and key offseason roster changes.

Cleveland Browns’ 2019 season

Heading into the 2019 season, the Browns were viewed as a legitimate playoff threat in the AFC with an outside chance of making the Super Bowl. But that didn’t happen as they got off to a rough start, going 2-6 in the first half of the season. The team got hot for a month, and then fell off, losing their last three games.

Despite adding players like WR Odell Beckham and RB Kareem Hunt to their offense, the Browns struggled to score. They averaged just 20.9 points per game, the 11th-fewest in the NFL. The defense had its moments, but they allowed 27 or more points in seven contests.

But the worst part of the 2019 season for the Browns was the regression of QB Baker Mayfield. After setting records in 2018, Mayfield saw a decline in all of his passing stats and efficiency. The worst part of the regression was the turnovers as Mayfield threw 21 interceptions and took 40 sacks. Entering Year 3, there is now suddenly concerns about Mayfield’s future in Cleveland.

By all accounts, it was a disappointing season as the team once again fired their head coach in Freddie Kitchens. Despite all the hype, Cleveland was a bad team during the 2019 season.

Cleveland Browns’ 2020 offseason changes

The biggest change for the Browns this offseason was hiring HC Kevin Stefanski. While Stefanski has never been a head coach in the NFL, he has a solid track record of getting the most out of an offense. In his only year as an offensive coordinator, the Minnesota Vikings finished eighth in scoring, averaging 25.4 points per game.

One of the most significant additions in the entire NFL was Stefanski hiring offensive line coach Bill Callahan. The Browns’ offensive line has been a problem for years and they’ve now brought in arguably the best offensive line coach in history to solve it. Cleveland has also brought talent to the unit, signing former All-Pro OT Jack Conklin and selecting former SEC star OT Jedrick Wills with the No. 10 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Cleveland was very aggressive in free agency, signing proven talents like TE Austin Hooper, SS Karl Joseph and FB Andy Janovich. This is a roster that is much more talented than a year ago, especially in the trenches.

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Cleveland Browns’ 2020 schedule

Week 1: at Baltimore Ravens

Week 2: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Week 3: vs. Washington Football Team

Week 4: at Dallas Cowboys

Week 5: vs. Indianapolis Colts

Week 6: at Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 7: at Cincinnati Bengals

Week 8: vs. Las Vegas Raiders

Week 9: BYE

Week 10: vs. Houston Texans

Week 11: vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Week 12: at Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 13: at Tennessee Titans

Week 14: vs. Baltimore Ravens

Week 15: at New York Giants

Week 16: at New York Jets

Week 17: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Cleveland Browns’ 2020 win total: Best bet

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Odds last updated Wednesday, Aug. 5 at 1 p.m. ET.

Projected wins: 8.5  / OVER: -125 / UNDER: +105

The Browns’ win total is set at 8.5 this season, which essentially means you are betting on or against them to make the playoffs with now seven teams from each conference getting in. However, it’s tough to envision the Browns winning nine games or more this season, given their schedule and teams inside their division.

The Ravens have one of the league’s best rosters and are poised to make another run at the No. 1 seed in the conference. Pittsburgh won eight games last season despite Ben Roethlisberger missing 14 games. It’s fair to think with even average quarterback play, that team is good enough to win double-digit games this season.

Cleveland will likely be a much-improved team this season, but to expect them to improve by three wins or more with the current state of the AFC North seems a bit too unrealistic. With a new head coaching staff in place, it will likely take some time for this team to gel. And considering the odds, bet the UNDER 8.5 wins (+105).

Exact season wins – bands

0-4 wins: +2200

5-8 wins: -120

9-12 wins: -105

13-16 wins: +3500

The best bet here in terms of value is Browns between 0-4 wins (+2200). While that seems highly unlikely, there is a chance the team takes a step backward, rather than forward with a new coaching staff. Still, that bet doesn’t present enough value. Considering the value, PASS on exact win bands and opt for the over/under as it presents better odds.

Exact wins: Best bet

If you are feeling extra risky, consider betting on the Browns to win exactly 8 games (+280) this season. After the team improved both tackle spots this offseason and brought in Hooper, it’s likely that the Browns will improve on offense. But will they improve by more than two wins? That is the question you must ask yourself.

However, an 8-8 season in 2020 would be a step in the right direction for the Browns’ organization and it does feel fairly likely. Consider betting on them to win exactly 8 games this season at very reasonable odds.

Want action on NFL futures betting? Sign up and place your legal sports wagers online at BetMGM. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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NFL Week 1 Bets: 4 best total bets to make

Looking at the early betting lines for Week 1 of the 2020 NFL season and pick four total bets to make.

The 2020 NFL schedule is out, laying out all 16 games for each of the 32 teams. The Week 1 slate is filled with intriguing matchups, ones that also offer some promising wagers on the Over/Under. Here are four of the best total bets to make for Week 1 of the 2020 NFL season.

Also see – Week 1 NFL betting lines up at BetMGM: Chiefs, 49ers among biggest favorites

Dallas Cowboys at Los Angeles Rams: O/U 50.5

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Odds last updated Friday, May 8 at 5 p.m. ET.

Cowboys-Rams is one of the best games of the opening weekend, pitting two of the best offenses against each other in primetime on Sunday night. It’s also the first regular-season game ever at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, so anticipation will be even higher for this matchup.

At least one of these teams has scored 30 or more points in their last eight meetings, so offense is almost never hard to come by. Add in the fact the Rams will be trotting out a new defense under first-year coordinator Brandon Staley, and the fact Dallas’ secondary could start two rookies, and this has the makings of a shootout.

Take the OVER 50.5 (-110) in this game.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints: O/U 49.5

The Saints and Bucs played in Week 1 two years ago and lit up the scoreboard, scoring 88 total points. That probably won’t happen again, but never doubt the abilities of QBs Tom Brady and Drew Brees – especially in a dome.

The Over is a perfect 3-0 in the Saints’ last three Week 1 game, and New Orleans has scored the second-most points in season openers in that span. This should be a high-scoring affair between two future Hall of Fame quarterbacks and two offensive-minded coaches.

Bet the OVER 49.5 (-110) and expect to see a lot of points on the board.

Place your Week 1 NFL bets at BetMGM, or play in their online casino. Bet now!

Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs: O/U 55.5

The highest point total of Week 1 belongs to the Texans and Chiefs at 55.5, which shouldn’t be a surprise. The Chiefs can easily put up 35 points on a Houston defense not exactly flush with talent, and QB Deshaun Watson can score in a hurry for the Texans.

It’s a lot of points to cover, but the Chiefs have scored more Week 1 points than any team in the NFL since 2017 and the Over is 3-0 in such games. Houston is 10th on that list.

Bet the OVER 55.5 (-110).

Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions: O/U 44.5

It’s not yet clear who will be the Bears’ starting quarterback, but neither Mitchell Trubisky nor Nick Foles is a great option. Either way, their offense shouldn’t be all that explosive. Detroit still has QB Matthew Stafford and WR Kenny Golladay, but the Bears defense is fearsome.

I’m taking the UNDER 44.5 (-110), even with a lower point projection. There’s just too much uncertainty with the Bears on offense and Detroit’s offense could have some trouble against Khalil Mack and Co.

Want action on the Week 1 NFL betting lines? Sign up and place your legal sports wagers online at BetMGM. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Eagles at Giants NFL matchup, with NFL betting odds, picks and best bets

The Philadelphia Eagles (8-7) and the host New York Giants (4-11) will do battle at MetLife Stadium Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET (on FOX). We analyze the Eagles-Giants sports betting odds and lines, with NFL betting picks and tips for the Week 17 matchup.

Eagles at Giants: Week 17 preview, betting trends and notes

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  • The Eagles can punch their ticket to the postseason with a victory in this battle, or a Cowboys loss against the Redskins, to wrap up the NFC East title.
  • The Eagles topped the Giants 23-17 in overtime on Monday Night Football Dec. 9, as QB Eli Manning and the G-Men nearly pulled the upset as 9.5-point underdogs while the under (45.5) cashed.
  • Philadelphia is 5-2 against the spread in the past seven games in the month of December, while going 4-1 ATS in their past five in Week 17.
  • New York has cashed in four of the past five games overall, and 7-3 ATS in the past 10 games in the month of December.
  • The G-Men are 1-4 ATS in the past five home games, and 0-5 ATS in the past five against teams with a winning overall record.
  • The over is 27-11 in the past 38 road games for Philly, while the under is 5-2 in their past seven overall.
  • The over has hit in six of the past eight for the Giants, including 5-2 in the past seven inside the division.

Eagles at Giants: Key injuries

Eagles: RB Jordan Howard (shoulder) is off the injury report and expected to serve as the third-string tailback. WR Nelson Agholor (knee) and TE Zach Ertz (ribs, back) are both out, while OT Lane Johnson (ankle) is questionable.

Giants: TE Rhett Ellison (concussion) landed on the Reserve/Injured list Saturday, ending his season.

Eagles at Giants: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 2:15 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Eagles 31, Giants 23

Moneyline (?)

The Eagles (-223) are in a winner-take-all scenario: take care of the Giants and they’re into the playoffs as NFC East champs. While that’s fully expected, you can’t risk more than double your return. So it’s a PASS on the moneyline.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the Eagles on the moneyline returns a $4.48 profit with a Philly victory.

Against the Spread (?)

The EAGLES (-4.5, -106) can be trusted, as they have everything to play for, while the Giants (+4.5, -115) are playing for nothing but pride. Philly is 9-3 ATS in the past 12 trips to MetLife Stadium, too, while the road team is 4-1 ATS in the past five in this series.

Over/Under (?)

OVER 45.5 (-106) is the play in this one. The Giants defense has long since checked out, and was tuned up for 35 points last week by the lowly Redskins. The over has connected in seven straight meetings in New York, too, while going 6-2 in the past eight battles in this series overall.

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. Looking for more sports betting picks and tips? Visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Browns at Bengals NFL matchup, with NFL betting odds, picks and best bets

The Cleveland Browns (6-9) and host Cincinnati Bengals (1-14) will tangle at Paul Brown Stadium Sunday at 1 p.m. ET (on Fox). We analyze the Browns-Bengals sports betting odds and lines, with NFL betting picks and tips for the Week 17 matchup.

Browns at Bengals: Week 17 preview, betting trends and notes

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  • The Bengals wrapped up the No. 1 overall pick in 2020 NFL Draft with their overtime loss last week in Miami.
  • The Browns topped the Bengals 27-19 in Week 14, covering as 6.5-point favorites as the Over (43) connected.
  • The Browns are 0-5 against the spread in the past five road outings and 3-7-1 ATS in the past 11 games overall. They’re also 2-5-1 ATS in the past eight as a road favorite, and 1-4 ATS in the past five on the road against a team with a losing home record.
  • The Bengals are 1-4 ATS in the past five games overall, and 1-4 ATS in the past five inside the division. They’re also 1-5 ATS in the past six against teams with a losing record, and 1-6 ATS in the past seven at home.
  • The over has connected in four in a row for the Browns against losing teams.
  • The under is 12-3-1 for the Bengals in the past 16 as an underdog, and 10-4-2 in the past 16 vs. AFC.

Browns at Bengals: Key injuries

Browns: DE Olivier Vernon (knee), WR Odell Beckham Jr. (illness – expected to play) and TE Ricky Seals-Jones (illness) are all listed as questionable.

Bengals: CB William Jackson III (shoulder) has been ruled out for Week 17.

Browns at Bengals: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 2 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Bengals 23, Browns 20

Moneyline (?)

The BENGALS (+125) can’t ruin their chances at the No. 1 overall pick with a win, and they showed last week in a hellacious comeback in Miami that they’re not throwing in the towel. The Browns (-154) have nothing to play for in this one and are primed for the taking.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the moneyline returns a $12.50 profit with a Bengals victory.

Against the Spread (?)

The BENGALS (+2.5, +105) are plus-money at home, and therefore a pretty nice value. The Browns (-2.5, -129) haven’t been terribly consistent this season, and they’re especially erratic on the road.

Over/Under (?)

PASS. The 44.5 total is going to be close. If there was a lean, it would be to the under, which is actually 41-14-3 in the past 58 in December for Cleveland and 12-3-1 in Cincinnati’s past 16 as a ‘dog.

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. Looking for more sports betting picks and tips? Visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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New Orleans Saints at Tennessee Titans odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s New Orleans Saints at Tennessee Titans sports betting odds and lines, with Week 16 NFL betting picks, tips and bets.

The New Orleans Saints (11-3) and Tennessee Titans (8-6) meet up at Nissan Stadium in Nashville Sunday at 1 p.m. ET (on FOX). We analyze the Saints-Titans sports betting odds and lines, with NFL betting picks and tips for the Week 16 matchup.

Saints at Titans: Week 16 preview, betting trends and notes

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  • The Saints enter the week as one of four 11-win teams in the NFC, so this is a very important game in their pursuit of home-field advantage in the postseason
  • The Titans are still very much alive for a wild-card spot in the AFC, but they need a win and the Steelers to lose.
  • New Orleans ranks ninth in total yards per game (373.3), seventh in passing yards (264.6 YPG) and sixth in points scored (27.0 PPG).
  • Defensively, the Saints rank fourth in the NFL with just 90.8 rushing yards per game allowed.
  • New Orleans is 25-8 ATS across the past 33 road games and 9-3 ATS in the past 12 overall. The Saints are also 26-12-1 ATS in the past 39 against teams with a winning record.
  • Tennessee is 4-1 ATS in the past five games overall, while going 3-1-1 ATS in the past five home outings. The Titans are just 2-5 ATS in the past seven against winning teams.

Saints at Titans: Key injuries

Saints: S Vonn Bell (knee), LB Kiko Alonso (quadriceps) and RG Larry Warford are out, while LG Andrus Peat (forearm) is questionable.

Titans: WR Adam Humphries (ankle) and CB Adoree’ Jackson (foot) are out, while DT Jeffery Simmons (knee) is questionable.

Saints at Titans: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Titans QB Ryan Tannehill. (Photo Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel – USA TODAY Sports)

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 2:20 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Titans 26, Saints 24

Moneyline (?)

The TITANS (+115) should be playing with some desperation, while the Saints (-139) also have a ton on the line. This should be one of the better games of the Week 16 slate, coming right down to the end. Take the home side to pull it out.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the moneyline returns a $11.50 profit with a Tennessee victory.

Against the Spread (?)

The TITANS (+2.5, -106) are a better play on the moneyline, as it’s generally a good rule of thumb to bet the ML when dealing with ‘dogs of three or fewer points. However, if you want a little insurance with the home team, take the points.

Over/Under (?)

PASS. The total of 50.5 (Over -106, Under -115) is going to be awfully close. Save your money and find another game. This won’t be a defensive slog, but it also won’t be a track meet. Look for the total to come in right around 50 points, so this total is too close to call.

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. Looking for more sports betting picks and tips? Visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Carolina Panthers at Indianapolis Colts odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Carolina Panthers at Indianapolis Colts sports betting odds and lines, with Week 16 NFL betting picks, tips and bets.

The Carolina Panthers (5-9) and Indianapolis Colts (6-8) tangle at Lucas Oil Stadium Sunday at 1 p.m. ET (on CBS). We analyze the Panthers-Colts sports betting odds and lines, with NFL betting picks and tips for the Week 16 matchup.

Panthers at Colts: Week 16 preview, betting trends and notes

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  • The Panthers turn to rookie QB Will Grier for his first NFL start.
  • The Colts enter on a four-game losing skid, while going 0-2-1 ATS across the past three games, and 2-5-1 ATS over the previous eight.
  • Indianapolis is 2-2 straight up and 1-3 ATS across the past four games at Lucas Oil Stadium.
  • Colts QB Jacoby Brissett and the offense was limited to a season-low seven points – scored late in the fourth quarter – in Monday’s ugly 34-7 loss at the New Orleans Saints.
  • The Colts defense is allowing 34.3 points per game across the past three outings as the Over has hit in two of those contests.
  • Indianapolis ranks ninth in the NFL against the run, allowing just 100.9 yards per game. That will be a key matchup, as they try and slow down Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey.

Panthers at Colts: Key injuries

Panthers: WR Curtis Samuel (knee) is questionable, while LB Sha’Quille Thompson (ankle) and DT Vernon Butler (illness) are out.

Colts: DT Denico Autry (concussion), CB Kenny Moore II (ankle), CB Quincy Wilson (shoulder) S Malik Hooker (hand) are out.

Panthers at Colts: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 1:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Colts 23, Panthers 20

Moneyline (?)

The Colts (-286) are heavily favored at home, but if you can trust their offense after what you saw last week, you have a lot more betting chutzpah than I do. The Panthers are +225.

New to sports betting? Every $2.86 wagered on the Colts ML will profit $1 if they win.

Against the Spread (?)

The PANTHERS (+7.5, -143) haven’t been playing well, but they’ll have the best player on the field in McCaffrey. He will be a difference maker and will help take a huge amount of pressure off of Grier in the QB’s first NFL start.

Every $1.43 wagered on the Panthers here will profit $1 if they don’t lose by 8 or more points or win outright.

Over/Under (?)

PASS. The total of 45.5 (-125 Over, +105 Under) is too close to call in this one. There are a lot of unknowns with Grier running the show, along with the Colts offense looking pretty shabby last week. If there is a lean, it’s to the Under – but ever so slightly.

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. Looking for more sports betting picks and tips? Visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns sports betting odds and lines, with Week 16 NFL betting picks, tips and bets.

The Baltimore Ravens (12-2) and Cleveland Browns (6-8) will square off at FirstEnergy Stadium Sunday at 1 p.m. ET (on CBS). We analyze the Ravens-Browns sports betting odds and lines, with NFL betting picks and tips for the Week 16 matchup.

Ravens at Browns: Week 16 preview, betting trends and notes

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  • The AFC North Division champion Ravens look to lock up home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with a victory.
  • The Browns inexplicably won 40-25 back on Sept. 29 in Baltimore, their best showing of the season by far. Cleveland won outright as a 7-point favorite that afternoon.
  • The Ravens rank No. 2 in the NFL in total yards per game (409.7), while checking in first in rushing yards (202.1 YPG) and points  (33.7 PPG).
  • Defensively, Baltimore ranks sixth in the NFL with 314.3 YPG allowed, while ranking seventh in passing yards per game (218.1), fifth in rushing yards (96.1 YPG) and fourth in points allowed per game (18.4).
  • The Ravens are 7-1 ATS in the past eight games overall, and 4-0 ATS in the past four on the road, while going 5-1 ATS in the past six as a favorite.
  • Baltimore is just 1-7 ATS in the past eight games inside the AFC North Division, however.
  • Cleveland is 4-1 ATS in its past five divisional matchups, but just 6-22-2 ATS in the past 30 against teams with a winning record.

Ravens at Browns: Key injuries

Ravens: OT Ronnie Stanley (concussion) and LB Chris Board (concussion) are questionable.

Browns: C Joseph Tretter (knee), DT Sheldon Richardson (back), DE Olivier Vernon (knee), S Eric Murray (knee), RB Dontrell Hilliard (neck) and T Kendall Lamm (knee) are questionable.

Ravens at Browns: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 12:40 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Ravens 37, Browns 19

Moneyline (?)

The Ravens (-500) are a strong play on the road – but they’re a huge favorite. You can’t risk five times the return, and the Browns (+375) aren’t beating them again.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the moneyline returns a $2 profit with a Baltimore victory.

Against the Spread (?)

The RAVENS (-9.5, -115) have it all in front of them as they can lock up home-field advantage and make the playoffs go through Charm City with a win Sunday. They can also lock up some much-needed rest in Week 17 for key members of the team. Plus, they can exact a little revenge along the way.

Over/Under (?)

OVER 49.5 (-110) is worth a small-unit wager as the Ravens could come close to cashing it all on their own by winning this revenge game. The Over is 5-1 in their past six as a road favorite, while the Over is 5-2-1 in Cleveland’s past eight inside the AFC North.

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. Looking for more sports betting picks and tips? Visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Buffalo Bills at Pittsburgh Steelers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Buffalo Bills at Pittsburgh Steelers sports betting odds and lines, with Week 15 NFL betting picks, tips and bets.

The Buffalo Bills (9-4) and Pittsburgh Steelers (8-5) were flexed into the Sunday Night Football spot and they’ll meet at 8:20 p.m. ET at Heinz Field. We analyze the Bills-Steelers sports betting odds and lines, with NFL betting picks and tips for the Week 15 matchup.

Bills at Steelers: Week 15 preview, betting trends and notes

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  • The Bills will lean upon their suffocating defense, looking to shut down the Steelers. Buffalo ranks third in the NFL in total yards allowed (296.8), third in passing yards allowed (191.5) and second in points allowed (16.3).
  • Buffalo ranks fifth in the NFL with 135.3 rushing yards per game, but is just 27th in passing yards at 206.6 per outing.
  • The Steelers are also stout defensively, ranking fifth in the NFL with 310.9 total yards allowed and 209.8 passing yards allowed. They’re also ninth against the run, yielding 101.2 yards per game, and they’re sixth in the NFL in points allowed at 18.6.
  • Offensively it has been a struggle for the Steelers, checking in 28th with 290.1 total yards per game, and 31st in passing yards (195.5). They have managed just 19.9 PPG to rank 23rd
  • The Bills are 6-0-1 ATS in the past seven on the road, and 4-1-1 ATS in the past six overall.
  • The Steelers are 5-1 ATS in the past six overall, while going 5-1 ATS in the past six at home.
  • Buffalo is making its first appearance on SNF since facing the New England Patriots during the 2007 season.

Bills at Steelers: Key injuries

Bills: DT Corey Liuget (lower body) is a question mark, while RB T.J. Yeldon (illness) is under the weather.

Steelers: RBs James Conner (shoulder) and Jaylen Samuels (groin) are question marks, with Conner likely closer to a return. WR Juju Smith-Schuster (knee) is close to a return, while TE Vance McDonald (concussion) is in the protocol and a question mark.

Bills at Steelers: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 8:10 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Steelers 20, Bills 16

Moneyline (?)

The STEELERS (-129) have the advantage since they’re playing at home, but that’s about it. This is a coin-flip game with major AFC playoff implications. That’s why NBC flexed it to SNF. The difference in this one will be if Conner and Smith-Schuster both return. If so, advantage Pittsburgh on its home turf in front of a raucous crowd. Even if one or both cannot go, coach Mike Tomlin is doing an exceptional job with the personnel he has, and the Steelers are just finding ways to win.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the Bucs moneyline returns a $7.75 profit with a Pittsburgh victory.

Against the Spread (?)

The STEELERS (-2.5, -106) are worth a small-unit play at home, again, especially if Conner and/or Smith-Schuster return. The bright lights of SNF might be a bit much for QB Josh Allen and the unproven Bills.

Over/Under (?)

PASS. The O/U of 36.5 (-106 Over; -1115 Under) is risky business, as both of these teams feature tremendous defensive units with unproven quarterbacks and a solid run game when healthy. If anything, the lean is to the Under, although this is the lowest game on the Week 15 board. Take a pass on the total.

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. Looking for more sports betting picks and tips? Visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Cleveland Browns at Arizona Cardinals odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Cleveland Browns at Arizona Cardinals sports betting odds and lines, with Week 15 NFL betting picks, tips and bets.

The Cleveland Browns (6-7) and Arizona Cardinals (3-9-1) will do battle at State Farm Stadium Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET. We analyze the Browns-Cardinals sports betting odds and lines, with NFL betting picks and tips for the Week 15 matchup.

Browns at Cardinals: Week 15 preview, betting trends and notes

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  • The Browns are technically still alive in the AFC Wild Card picture, but they need to win out and get help from opponents of the Houston Texans, Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans, among others.
  • Cleveland has posted a 3-1-1 ATS mark across the past five, and they’re 3-1-1 ATS in the past five as a favorite.
  • The Browns have posted a 5-2 ATS mark across the past seven against teams with a losing overall record, but they’re 0-4 ATS in the past four on the road.
  • Arizona is 4-0 ATS in the past four against losing teams, but 1-5 ATS in the past six in the month of December.
  • The Over is 3-1-1 in the past five for the Browns against teams with a losing record, and 9-4 in the past 13 on the road against teams with a losing home mark.
  • The Over is 5-1 in the past six for the Cardinals against losing sides, but the Under is 24-11 in the past 35 at home for Arizona.

Browns at Cardinals: Key injuries

Browns: WR Odell Beckham Jr. (groin) is dealing with a nagging groin injury, while WR Jarvis Landry (hip) is nursing a sore hip. Neither is believed to be in jeopardy of missing this game.

Cardinals: S Budda Baker (hamstring) and LB Terrell Suggs (back/illness) missed practice time mid-week, and they’re more of an uncertainty. WR Christian Kirk (ankle) is also a question mark.

Browns at Cardinals: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 7:35 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Browns 25, Cardinals 19

Moneyline (?)

The BROWNS (-143) have a lot more on the line, and they have a tremendous rushing attack which will make the difference. The Cardinals rank 24th against the rush, allowing 120.5 yards per game on the ground, and they’re dead-last against the pass, yielding 294.2 yards per game while giving up 414.7 total yards per contest, also 32nd in the NFL.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the Bucs moneyline returns a $6,99 profit with a Cleveland victory.

Against the Spread (?)

The BROWNS (-2.5, -121) are a nice play as long as this line stays below a field goal. They’re also a tremendous teaser option in this must-win game against the Cardinals (+2.5, +100). If you can get a seven-point teaser and toss the Browns in, they’ll be that much more attractive.

Over/Under (?)

UNDER 48.5 (-115) is the play, as this line is a bit high. While yes, Arizona’s defense leaves a lot to be desired, its offense has only been so-so. The same can be said for Cleveland’s offense, which was expected to be a juggernaut, but has been inconsistent for most of the season outside of RB Nick Chubb, who is superb.

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. Looking for more sports betting picks and tips? Visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Sunday’s Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns Week 14 matchup, with NFL betting odds, picks and best bets

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The Cincinnati Bengals (1-11) and Cleveland Browns (5-7) play the latest installment of their ‘Battle of Ohio’ rivalry Sunday at 1 p.m. ET at FirstEnergy Stadium. We analyze the Bengals-Browns sports betting odds and lines, with NFL betting picks and tips for the Week 14 matchup.

Bengals at Browns: Week 14 preview, betting trends and notes

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  • The Bengals enter on a high after their first victory of the season in Week 13, while the Browns suffered a 20-13 loss against the Steelers in Pittsburgh.
  • Cincinnati is 8-2 ATS across their past 10 road games, and they’re 17-8 ATS in the past 25 games against AFC opponents.
  • The Browns are 7-3 ATS across their past 10 games inside the AFC North, but they’re just 11-23-1 ATS in the past 35 at home.
  • The Under is 4-1-1 in Cincinnati’s past six games against the AFC North, while going 12-3-2 in the past 17 games overall.
  • The Under is 18-8-1 in the past 27 at home for the Browns, while going 15-5-1 in the past 21 at FirstEnergy Stadium against teams with a losing road mark.

Bengals at Browns: Key injuries

Bengals: WR John Ross (collarbone) and LB Nick Vigil (ankle) are expected to play, while DE Sam Hubbard (knee) and TE Drew Sample (ankle) are out.

Browns: TE David Njoku (wrist) and DE Olivier Vernon (knee) are expected to be ready, while QB Baker Mayfield (hand) will also be fine. WR Odell Beckham Jr. (groin) is expected to be ready, too.

Bengals at Browns: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 8 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Browns 23, Bengals 17

Moneyline (?)

The Browns (-334) are just too expensive, and they haven’t been consistent enough this season to lay more than three times your money. The Bengals (+260), on the other hand, have struggled all season obviously, but they looked better with QB Andy Dalton regaining his starting spot against the Jets. They’re no pushover, at least for an inconsistent Browns side.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the moneyline returns a $2.99 profit with a Cleveland victory.

Against the Spread (?)

The BENGALS (+7.5, -112) catching seven and a hook is the key. Whenever you’re betting the underdog, those hooks can come in handy. The Browns (-7.5, -115) have a 2-3-1 ATS mark across their six games so far this season.

Over/Under (?)

UNDER 41.5 (-110) is a nice small-unit bet, although this one will be close in the fourth quarter. Don’t go crazy, but if you’re looking for a nice parlay, the Bengals and the points with the Under is a decent pairing.

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. Looking for more sports betting picks and tips? Visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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