Cleveland (1-2 SU, 1-2 ATS, 1-2 O/U) travels to Las Vegas to face the Raiders (1-2 SU, 1-2 ATS, 2-1 O/U) on Sunday at 4:25 PM ET.
Both teams enter this matchup coming off losses last week, with injuries impacting their lineups significantly.
Browns’ Struggles: Watson Under Pressure
Deshaun Watson continues to dominate headlines, yet his performance has raised eyebrows. In the previous week’s defeat to the New York Giants, which ended 21-15, Watson completed 21 of 37 passes for 196 yards and two touchdowns but faced relentless pressure, resulting in eight sacks for 48 yards lost. This brings his total to 16 sacks and 42 pressures this season.
The offensive struggles were evident, as the Browns managed only 217 total yards and coughed up two fumbles. The offensive line is currently in disarray, missing Pro Bowl right guard Wyatt Teller (knee), starting left tackle Jedrick Wills (knee), and right tackle Jack Conklin, who has yet to play this season due to a hamstring setback. With Conklin and Wills unavailable again this week, and Teller placed on IR, the Browns face a daunting challenge. Tight end David Njoku (ankle) is also sidelined, though Pro Bowl defensive end Myles Garrett (foot) is expected to play despite his injury.
The rushing attack has been particularly lackluster, largely due to the offensive line issues and the absence of star running back Nick Chubb (knee), who is still recovering. Cleveland ranks 23rd in the league, averaging just 95.7 rushing yards per game. Jerome Ford leads the team with 145 rushing yards. When asked about running more himself, Watson firmly stated he “is not a running back.” His passing stats reflect struggles as well, with 551 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions on a completion rate of just 57.8%.
Defensively, the Browns have performed well, allowing only 309.3 yards per game (12th in the NFL) and 195.7 passing yards per game. However, Cleveland averages under 16.5 points per game, failing to score more than 18 points in any contest this season.
Raiders’ Resilience Tested
Antonio Pierce, the Raiders’ head coach, has been candid about his team’s performance after their 36-22 loss to the Panthers, where they were 5.5-point favorites at home. Reflecting on the game, Pierce remarked, “There were definitely individuals that made business decisions, and we’ll make business decisions going forward as well.”
The Raiders’ defense struggled significantly, allowing Andy Dalton to throw for 319 yards and three touchdowns, while Chuba Hubbard rushed for 114 yards unchallenged. Gardner Minshew started the game but was later replaced by Aidan O’Connell, who managed to throw for 82 yards and a touchdown in a late effort.
Minshew has been efficient, completing 73.7% of his passes for 747 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions. Wide receiver Davante Adams has been a key target with 18 receptions for 209 yards and a touchdown. However, Adams is out this week due to a hamstring injury, compounding the Raiders’ challenges. Additionally, defensive end Maxx Crosby (ankle) will also be unavailable, putting pressure on Minshew or O’Connell to step up.
The Raiders’ running game is at the bottom of the league, averaging only 51 rushing yards per game, while their run defense allows 152.7 yards per game. Ironically, they face a Browns team that mirrors their struggles on the ground.
Strategic Insights for Browns vs. Raiders
Betting analysis favors considering the line rather than the money line for this matchup. The Browns still have capable players, including Watson, Amari Cooper, and Jerry Jeudy, who can potentially turn the game in their favor. Despite their offensive line issues, the absence of Maxx Crosby, a top-tier pass rusher, could be advantageous for Cleveland.
Additionally, the fallout from Pierce’s comments may impact team morale. The Raiders’ prior win over Baltimore was impressive, but they will need to adapt without key players like Adams and Crosby. Watson might need to leverage his athleticism more in this match, making it an intriguing encounter for both teams.
