Patriots vs. Browns Point Spread: NFL Week 6 Odds, Prediction
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Edgar Chaput
Two clubs striving to survive challenging sequences square off in Ohio in Week 6 when the New England Patriots visit the Cleveland Browns
Both teams sport identical 2-3 records and frankly it’s a bit difficult to determine whether that’s good, bad, or just about right. More on that later.
Kevin Stefanski’s Browns currently sit as 2.5-point favourites to win on the NFL odds. Evidently, this is a tricky one to evaluate. As for the points tally, it’s set at 43.0.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
The Patriots and Browns are pitted against each other every few seasons or so, and it often goes Bill Belichick’s way. Much like how the Patriots dominated almost everybody for two decades, they’ve manhandled the Dawg Pound. They’ve won four of the previous five outings, including a 45-7 stomping last year. That was when the Baker Mayfield-led Browns were supposed to make a leap over the rookie Mac Jones.
New England started the season poorly ATS with a blowout loss to Miami but have picked things up since. They’re 2-2-1 on the year, and the covers came in their two most recent games. It should be noted that none of the three most recent contests between these two clubs have been close.
The Browns have been involved in three games for which the spread was minuscule (less than three points). They’re 1-2 in those battles and 2-3 ATS overall in 2022. They could have been 3-2 ATS until the Jets spoiled the fun in under two minutes in Week 2.
New England Patriots
One supposes Patriots fans will take whatever wins come their way. That’s not a position they’re accustomed to. Even heading into the season with Jones (questionable this week) at quarterback, pundits predicted ominous results for Belichick’s club. Now, with third stringer Bailey Zappe leading the offence, who knows what will happen from week to week. To be fair, Belichick knows how to dial up dastardly schemes, especially on defence.
What better example than last week at home to the Detroit Lions? One of the NFL’s hottest offences rolled into Gillette Stadium and the home squad was reeling on offence. Then 60 minutes of play later, the crowd rejoiced at a 29-0 final score. That’s what the Patriots do. They pinpoint whatever weakness an opponent has and exploit it. Detroit’s top talent was absent due to injuries, so New England played the perfect “bend but don’t break” defence. They’ve also produced multiple key turnovers in recent weeks.
Cleveland Browns
Another bitter defeat for the Browns in Week 5 against the Chargers. Worse, they could see victory’s beacon shine at the end of the tunnel. Just as had been the case in the previous contest against the Falcons, it was a quarterback, Jacoby Brissett, tossing a late fourth quarter interception that did them in. And again, it came after what had been an overall solid performance. The Browns have been very, very Browns-esque the past two weeks.
The biggest challenge at home this week will be how Cleveland’s defence contains the Patriots run-game. The visitors are either top 10 or top 12 in key rushing categories. By contrast, the Browns have looked appalling against running backs this year. Their 23rd overall ranked D is mostly bolstered by a competent passing defence. When opponents opt to run the ball, Cleveland is 28th in both rushing yards allowed and rushing TDs allowed. Ouch.
NE
CLE