Cowboys vs. Browns Point Spread: NFL Week 1 Odds, Prediction
Lamb missed the preseason while holding out for a new contract, before signing a four-year, $136 million extension late last month, and is expected to play a key role in the Cowboys’ pursuit of a second straight NFC East title. The Browns return to action looking to take the next step after winning 11 games last season, but have work to do to overcome a winless preseason including a pair of home losses by double-digit margins.
The Browns host the Cowboys as 2.5-point favourites on the NFL Week 1 odds. Dallas lags as a +115 underdog on the NFL moneyline, and the total is listed at 40.5.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
Sunday afternoon’s contest marks the first meeting between these teams since 2020. The Browns rolled to a 49-38 road win these squads met four years ago, snapping a four-game losing streak in head-to-head action including a pair of crushing loses at home in which they scored just 20 total points. However, the Browns were dominant on home turf last season, going 8-1 SU including wins in their final seven home dates, with four of their final six victories coming by just a single score. Cleveland also racked up a steady 8-1 against the spread record at home last season, and is 4-1 SU and ATS in their past five at home when favored by three or fewer points. The Cowboys face the challenge of overcoming the inconsistency that plagued them on the road last season, when they went just 4-5 SU and ATS. Dallas was also a massive betting disappointment down the stretch, covering just twice in their final seven games including a trio of outright losses as betting chalk.
Dallas Cowboys
The return of CeeDee Lamb is a big deal for a Cowboys offence. Lamb finishes last season among the NFL leaders with 1749 receiving yards and 12 scoring catches. However, his late arrival at training camp raises concerns about just how ready for game action the star receiver will be heading into Week 1. Sunday’s contest also marks the first game action for quarterback Dak Prescott, who is entering the final season of his current contract, and faces enormous pressure to get this team to the next level after leading the Cowboys to yet another early exit in last season’s NFL playoffs.
Cleveland Browns
In the wake of yet another injury-shortened campaign in 2023, Deshaun Watson will make yet another attempt to revive his career as an NFL starting quarterback. Watson mustered just 1115 passing yards and seven scores against four picks in six outings before seeing his campaign cut short. Now entering the third season of a monster contract that will earn him a guaranteed $230 million, the pressure is on the controversial pivot to earn his salary. Watson will enjoy the benefit of the offseason addition of receiver Jerry Jeudy. However, early-season injury concerns on the offensive line could be a problem for Watson, who was sacked 18 times last season. With so many question marks, the Browns as a +4000 bet on the Super Bowl odds, and will struggle to cover in this season-opening clash.
DAL
CLE