Browns vs. Colts Point Spread: NFL Week 7 Odds, Prediction
However, the Browns are likely to take on that challenge without the services of quarterback Deshaun Watson, who remains sidelined by a shoulder injury that has already forced him to miss the past two games. The Colts are also dealing with injuries under centre in the wake of last weekend’s 37-20 loss in Jacksonville, and will once again turn to journeyman Gardner Minshew as they try to win two in a row on home turf for the first time in almost two years.
The Browns arrive in Indianapolis perched as 2.5-point favourites on the NFL Week 7 odds, while the Colts sport +125 moneyline odds, and the total is pegged at 40.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
Sunday’s matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium marks the first meeting between these squads since 2020, and the Browns’ first visit to Indianapolis in five years. The Browns claimed a 32-23 win when they hosted the Colts three years ago, but have otherwise struggled in head-to-head clashes with Indy, losing eight of 10 overall meeting since 1999, including three of four meetings in Indianapolis. However, they have covered in five of seven clashes with the Colts. Recent dates between these teams have been increasingly high scoring, with the total reaching 49 or higher in their past three, ending a 5-1 run for the UNDER. Neither of these teams have provided much inspiration for NFL betting fans this season. The Colts have lost and failed to cover in two of three home dates, while the Browns have failed to cover in consecutive outings during a middling 5-5 SU and ATS run.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns are riding high in the wake of last weekend’s 19-16 win over San Francisco. Cleveland enjoyed perfect storm or wet weather, untimely injuries suffered by the 49ers, and some very questionable calls by on-field officials on their way to the win. The Browns defence deserves kudos for a stout performance, limiting the Niners to just 215 total yards including a total of -5 yards over San Francisco’s first six possessions after halftime. Overall, the Browns defence has limited opponents to a league-best 200.4 total yards per game, and to an average of just 15.4 points. However, it is far from certain that will be enough to make up for a feeble attack that has scored just one total touchdown and 22 total points in two outings since Watson was injured. The Browns managed to eke out last week’s win despite being led by practice squad pivot PJ Walker, who completed just 52.9% of pass attempts for 192 yards, no scores, and two picks last weekend, and who remains a last resort option for Cleveland.
Indianapolis Colts
With Anthony Richardson on the IR, the Colts offence is in the hands of Gardner Minshew, who failed to rise to the occasions while facing his former Jaguars teammates last weekend in Jacksonville. While Minshew piled up a respectable 329 passing yards and one score, he also committed four turnovers, which the Jaguars converted into three scores. With just one total scoring pass in the past two games, the Colts will like have to rely on their ground game once again on Sunday. Zack Moss has been a steady producer in the backfield, topping 100 rushing yards twice in his past four outings and running for three scores over the past two weeks. The return of Jonathan Taylor provides Minshew with another option. A late addition to the roster after starting the season as a holdout, Taylor has produced just 37 total rushing yards in two appearances after averaging just under 72 yards and running for two scores in five home appearances last season.
CLE
IND