If you thought Baker Mayfield and the Browns offense were struggling before their Week 7 bye, then you may have forgotten that they have to come off of that rest week to face Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.

NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis

Including the postseason, the Patriots are riding a 19-game home win streak. So far this season, they are unbeaten and have outscored their opponents by 175 points. Two of their seven wins have been shutouts.

New England comes into this one after decimating the New York Jets by an embarrassing score of 33-0, which is why oddsmakers have the Patriots priced as 12-point favorites. The over/under is currently 46.5. Does that number make sense when you recall that this Patriots teams has only given up a total of 48 points this entire half-season?

The Browns are 5-5 against the spread in their last 10 games overall.

Cleveland Browns

For most teams, coming in from a bye week is an advantage. Well-rested, injuries healed. But, this is Cleveland, and they’re playing the Patriots.  Quarterback Baker Mayfield had a minor hip injury in Week 6 when he led his team in a loss to the Seahawks, but head coach Freddie Kitchens has said that Mayfield should be ready to suit up for Week 8.

The Browns are 2-4 so far this season, and it’ll take a miracle for them to avoid going 2-5 once they’re in Tom Brady’s house. A win would put them a little closer to the Ravens in the AFC North. Before the bye week, Cleveland lost back-to-back games, most recently that 32-28 loss to Russell Wilson and the Seahawks. Mayfield was intercepted three times in that one.

New England Patriots

The big news in Boston is the arrival their newest teammate – Mohamed Sanu. Sanu was picked up by New England on Tuesday from a trade with the Atlanta Falcons. Whether or not he’ll be ready to play against the Browns this weekend is another story. It’s likely not enough time, even for one of the league’s best wide receivers, to learn a new offensive scheme in just five days.

This is the first 7-0 start for New England since the 2015 season. They’re doing it with a remarkable defense: one that has allowed the fewest points in the league, and also leads the NFL in interceptions and takeaways. They are second in sacks.

Bad news for the Patriots this week when Josh Gordon was placed on the injured reserve list, indicating that his season is likely over.

Who Will Win Browns vs. Patriots?

BROWNS

Away

10

PATRIOTS

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