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Jeremy Perry
Browns vs. Vikings Point Spread: NFL Week 4 Odds, Prediction
The Browns roughed up the Chicago Bears last weekend to situate themselves with a 2-1 record on the year. Meanwhile, the Vikings grabbed their first win of the new year by rolling past the Seattle Seahawks on their own turf. Which of these teams will be able to pick up another win this weekend?
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
The Browns are 7-1 straight up in their last eight games when coming into the matchup as the favorite but are just 1-7 ATS in their past eight games as the road favorite. However, Cleveland is 4-1 ATS in their last five games and have a strong chance to extend that record in this game.
On the other hand, the Vikings are just 1-4 ATS in their last five games played in their home stadium. Though they are 3-1 straight up when playing at home in the past four games. Despite Minnesota’s offensive success lately, the under has cashed out in six of their last eight games at home when they are listed as the underdogs.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns are one of the most talented teams in the league and should be prepared to prove that once again this week. They racked up nine sacks against Chicago last week with superstar edge rusher Myles Garrett reeling in 4.5 of them. That defense is going to have to be prepared this week against a very good Minnesota offense that has scored over 24 points in each of the first three games.
Luckily, Cleveland has a star-studded offense as well. Jarvis Landry is likely to miss this game with an injury but they did just get Odell Beckham Jr. back onto the field. The run game should end up being more effective for them though. Minnesota allows 119.3 rushing yards per contest and a whopping 4.8 yards per carry – fifth-worst in the NFL. The Browns have a dynamic backfield with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, so expect those two to try and pound away to take control.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings were underdogs in Seattle last week but they came out with a level of intensity that has to be matched this week if they want to continue winning. Dalvin Cook, their superstar running back, suffered a minor injury last week and missed the game. Cook is questionable to play in this contest, which would leave ball carrying duties in the hands of Alexander Mattison once again. He was phenomenal in his start last week, running for 112 yards on 26 carries, and will badly need to get something going in the case that Cook can’t play.
The Vikes are 1-2 but they could easily be 3-0. The lost in overtime at Cincinnati in Week 1 and then missed what should have been a game-winning kick in Arizona in Week 2. They might be better than their record indicates.
CLE
MIN