The Cleveland Browns are set to clash with the Washington Commanders this Sunday at Northwest Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET.
Currently, the Commanders are favored by 3.5 points, and the projected total for the game is 43.5 points.
Cleveland enters this matchup with a record of 1-3 (1-3 against the spread and 1-3 over/under), having lost 20-16 to Las Vegas in their last game. The Browns have struggled recently, dropping two straight contests since their victory over Jacksonville in Week 2.
In contrast, Washington holds a 3-1 record (3-1 ATS and 3-1 O/U) after a commanding 42-14 win against Arizona last Sunday, marking their third consecutive victory.
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Browns Need to Eliminate Mistakes for Success
The Browns faced a disappointing loss against the Raiders last week, where a late-game surge fell short. They started strong, scoring ten points in the first quarter, but struggled to maintain momentum, adding only six points in the fourth quarter. Self-inflicted errors, including penalties and dropped passes, hindered their performance, allowing Las Vegas to secure the win even without key players like wide receiver Davante Adams and pass rusher Maxx Crosby. It’s worth noting that only 42 teams in NFL history have qualified for the playoffs after starting with a record of 1-3.
“The self-inflicted mistakes are what’s keeping us from being as explosive as we can be on offense,” remarked quarterback Deshaun Watson.
Cleveland is averaging 16.5 points (27th in the league) and 246.3 total yards (31st), with 151.5 passing yards (29th) and 94.8 rushing yards (26th) per game. On the defensive side, the Browns allow 21.8 points (15th) and 299.0 total yards (11th), consisting of 175.8 passing yards (10th) and 123.3 rushing yards (20th). Currently, the team holds a -2 turnover differential for the season.
Key injuries: Defensive ends Za’Darius Smith and Myles Garrett, tight end David Njoku, offensive tackle James Hudson III, linebacker Jordan Hicks, center Ethan Pocic, and tackles Jedrick Wills Jr. and Jack Conklin are all listed as questionable.
Commanders Riding a Wave of Confidence
Washington demonstrated their offensive prowess against Arizona, combining strong performances on both passing and rushing fronts. Quarterback Jayden Daniels showcased his skills with 233 passing yards and a rushing touchdown, while running back Brian Robinson Jr. contributed 101 yards and a touchdown, helping the team average 5.8 yards per carry. The Commanders outperformed the Cardinals, with a total yardage of 449 to 296 and controlling the clock for nearly seven extra minutes.
“It feels good that we’re able to execute the game plan, but we’ve still got room to grow,” commented Daniels. “Fun times right now,” added receiver Terry McLaurin.
Washington’s offensive statistics are impressive, averaging 30.3 points (3rd) and 382.3 total yards (6th) per game, including 213.0 passing yards (12th) and 169.3 rushing yards (3rd). However, their defense allows 25.5 points (25th) and 357.0 total yards (26th) per game, with 220.5 passing yards (21st) and 136.5 rushing yards (23rd). They currently own a +1 turnover differential.
Key injuries: Wide receiver Noah Brown, running backs Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler, guard Nick Allegretti, and defensive backs Tyler Owens and Percy Butler are listed as questionable.
Strategic Betting Insights for Browns vs. Commanders
Despite increased support for the Washington team, there are signs that the Cleveland Browns could turn things around this Sunday.
The Browns may be undervalued due to their recent performances, but if they can address their penalties and errors, wagering on them as moneyline underdogs may be a viable option. Cleveland possesses skilled players, yet they have struggled to capitalize when it counts.
Defensively, the Browns are expected to intensify their efforts, aiming to disrupt rookie quarterback Daniels and generate turnovers that have eluded them thus far. With the team ranking 7th in opponent third-down conversion rates, they will look to exploit Washington’s offensive weaknesses. While Cleveland’s run defense has faced challenges, their pass defense has proven to be formidable. Washington’s high-scoring games against weaker defenses do not provide an accurate reflection of how they will perform against a resilient Browns team that has restricted its last three opponents to 21 points or fewer.
The betting public is likely to lean toward the Commanders due to Daniels’ impressive play and the Browns’ offensive struggles. However, positive updates regarding Cleveland’s offensive line, with key players returning to practice, could significantly benefit Watson. He aims to regain his rhythm after limited playtime in recent seasons. With a tough schedule ahead, Watson is poised to deliver a strong performance against a vulnerable Commanders defense, potentially securing a much-needed victory for the Browns.
