The biggest storyline heading into this matchup revolves around COVID-19 and injuries. Jacksonville’s defensive coordinator tested positive, which means he will miss the game along with pass-rusher Josh Allen and kicker Chase McLaughlin. Key absences for Cleveland include defensive stars Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward (calf injury) as well as linebacker Sione Takitaki.

The Jaguars lead the all-time series 12-5 and were victorious 19-7 back in November of 2017. The Browns find themselves as 6.5-point favorites and the Over/Under is set at 49.0.

NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis

The Jaguars lead the all-time series 12-5 and were victorious 19-7 back in November of 2017. The Browns opened at -6 and have been bouncing between -6 and -7 since. Currently they’re holding as 6.5-point favourites with the total set at 49. About 80 percent of early bets like the Browns to cover.

Cleveland Browns

There is no doubt that Cleveland’s strength is their thunder/lightning running back combo of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. As a unit the backfield is third best in the NFL, averaging 156.8 yards per game. However, this could finally be the chance for head coach Kevin Stefanski to unleash Baker Mayfield and let him sling it a bit.

Due primarily to stormy conditions in northeast Ohio the past three games, Mayfield hasn’t thrown a touchdown or interception with passes kept to a minimum. He should be relatively clean in the pocket as the Jags are dead last in total sacks at nine.

The Browns defense is banged up, but outside of Jacksonville RB James Robinson does anyone else scare you with Mike Glennon at quarterback? The question is whether the offense can open up like it did against the struggling Bengals on Oct. 25 when it erupted for 37-points.

Cleveland is 1-5 against the spread (ATS) on the road versus a team with a losing record. Taking the under in O/U has paid off on the four previous occasions the club has played on grass.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars freefall season continues as they are dusting off third-string quarterback Mike Glennon for Sunday. Gardner Minshew is still working his way back from a damaged thumb, backup Jake Luton got pummeled by Pittsburgh a week ago, and now Glennon makes his first start since 2017. The 6-foot-7 veteran is statuesque in the pocket, has an elongated release, and is a prime sack target for hungry defenders. However, Jacksonville hasn’t exactly been lighting the NFL up with anyone else under centre either. The offense ranks 27th overall and the defense is worse at 30th.

In their past seven outings Jacksonville is 2-5 ATS and under is 8-2 versus an opponent with a winning record.

NFL Prediction: Who Will Win Browns vs. Jaguars?

BROWNS

Away

28

JAGUARS

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