The roller coaster known as the 2021 Cleveland Browns took an upward turn last Sunday, as the Browns went to Cincinnati and delivered a 41-16 thumping. This came a few days after the team released Odell Beckham Jr, a talented but dissatisfied wide receiver who had distracted the team. The Browns’ offense could have to go without tailback Nick Chubb, who tested positive for COVID-19. He would need to be symptom-free and have two negative tests, 24 hours apart from one another, before he could return. D’Ernest Johnson would get the start in Chubb’s absence; he ran for 146 yards in his first career start in relief of Chubb on October 21. The Browns’ next challenge is the New England Patriots, who started the season 1-3 but since have won three in a row and four of five. The loss in that stretch came in overtime against Dallas; since then, the team has scored 105 points in three wins over the Jets, Chargers and Panthers, the last two on the road. Both teams come in at 5-4; who will emerge with their sixth win?
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NFL Preview: Cleveland Browns at New England Patriots (Sunday, November 14)
When: Sunday, November 14, 2021, 1:00 pm ET
Where: Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, MA
TV: CBS
Radio: WNCX 98.5 FM Cleveland / WBZ 98.5 FM Boston
Live Stream: Hulu
NFL Odds: New England -2.5 / O/U 44.5 // Cleveland +115 / New England -135
Why should you bet on the Browns?
The Browns do well when they run the ball effectively; they average 160.2 yards per game on the ground, second in the NFL. Their passing offense is 25th overall (219.9 yards per game). Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt have combined for 1,082 yards and 11 touchdowns, but Hunt is on injured reserve (calf) and Chubb’s status is uncertain. Johnson has 195 and two scores on the season. Baker Mayfield has an 8:3 TD:INT ratio, and his top receiver has been tight end David Njoku, with 21 catches for 341 yards and two scores.
The Browns’ defense is third in the NFL in yards permitted per game (309.7), and they permit 21.8 points per game (10th). Anthony Walker leads the team with 57 tackles, and Myles Garrett already has a dozen sacks. John Johnson III, who came to the team via free agency this past off-season, leads the team with two picks. If the pass rush can get after Mac Jones, the Browns should be able to force the Patriots into some mistakes.
Why should you put your money on the Patriots?
Like Cleveland, New England draws on their defense for a great deal of their success. They permit 18.9 points per game, fourth overall, and 340.3 yards per game, ninth overall. Safety Kyle Dugger leads the squad with 56 tackles, and Matthew Jordan has nine sacks to pace the defense. J.C. Jackson has intercepted five passes this season. So if Baker Mayfield gets antsy in the pocket and tries to force the ball into tight windows, the Pats could make him pay.
On offense, Mac Jones has put up a solid TD:INT ratio of 10:1, throwing for 2,135 yards through nine games. Damien Harris has run for 547 yards and seven scores, averaging just over four yards per carry. Wide receiver Jakobi Meyers leads the team with 46 catches for 434 yards. The team scores 25.6 points per game, tenth in the league. Bill Belichick has Mac Jones ahead of the typical learning curve for rookie starting quarterbacks, and there have been games when Cleveland’s secondary has been torched.
Final Score and Betting Prediction
Cleveland has covered in five of their last six road games and in four of their last five as the underdog. New England has not followed up on prosperity well, covering just three times in their last 13 games coming after a cover. I see the Browns taking advantage of an average rushing defense (15th overall) and driving the rhythm. I predict a final score of Cleveland 23, New England 20.
Final Score of Cleveland 23, New England 20 : Bet the Game Today
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