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Cowboys Listed as 5-Point Favorites vs Browns in Opening NFL Week 4 Odds

Kevin Allen

by Kevin Allen in NFL Football

Updated Mar 9, 2021 · 2:10 PM PST

Browns defense celebrate
Members of the Cleveland Browns defense celebrate an interception of a pass by Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game, late Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
  • Despite a 1-2 record, the Dallas Cowboys are 5-point favorites against the Cleveland Browns in Week 4.
  • Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has thrown for 922 yards over the past two weeks.
  • See the opening odds for this game and a prediction on which way the line will move before kickoff

The Dallas Cowboys have been impressive, or at least dynamic, even if their record doesn’t show it. Dak Prescott’s passing show pulled off one amazing rally against Atlanta two weeks ago and it almost worked again Sunday against the unbeaten Seattle Seahawks.

The Seahawks won that game 38-31, despite Prescott’s 472 yards passing. He completed 37-of-57 passes and threw three touchdowns.

The Browns (2-1) are better than expected, but Prescott’s presence is enough to make them a 5-point favorite in Browns vs. Cowboys odds.

Browns vs Cowboys Odds

Team Moneyline Spread Total
Cleveland Browns +180 +5.0 (-110) O 55.5 (-110)
Dallas Cowboys -225 -5.0 (-110) U 55.5 (-110)

Odds taken Sept. 27th at DraftKings

Prescott Can Make the Cowboys a 10-Win Team

The Cowboys are a dangerous offensive team because Prescott has looked masterful, particularly in the last two games. His reads are strong, his touch has been sharp and his confidence level seems like it has never been higher. He’s making tough throws look routine.

He joins Jameis Winston as the only two NFL quarterbacks to pass for more than 450 yards in consecutive weeks.

Prescott has more 400-yard passing days (6) than any quarterback in Dallas history.

If Prescott continues to play this well, this is a contending team, although the Cowboys have to figure out how to stop opposing offenses. The Cowboys have given up 97 points in the first three games.

Winning Record New to the Browns

Thanks to a 34-20 win against the Washington Football Team, the Browns have a 2-1 start and their first winning record since Week 15 of the 2014 season. The Browns went 90 weeks without being above .500.

Baker Mayfield’s improvement at quarterback has been a big part of that.  He has looked more polished while completing 62% of his passes and throwing five touchdowns. After playing poorly in a season-opening 38-6 loss at Baltimore, he has come back with two solid performances.

While his numbers are not spectacular, they are respective. It’s hard to remember that he is still only 25. He has now had 31 starts as an NFL quarterback. He is still developing.

Browns’ Rushing Attack has Improved

Nick Chubb is also playing a role in the Browns’ improved play. They are running more effectively, evidenced by the fact that Chubb has rushed for over 100 yards in two of their three games.

In the Browns’ three games, he has averaged just under six yards per carry. He rushed for 60 yards on 10 carries against Baltimore, 124 yards on 22 carries (5.64 yards per carry) against Cincinnati and 108 yards on 19 carries (5.7) against Washington.

He has four rushing touchdowns over the past two weeks.  The Browns haven’t had this balance on offense in a while.

Cowboys Boast More Firepower

With all due respect, the Cowboys offense is more dynamic than the Browns’ offense.  Prescott is one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks and Mayfield isn’t there yet.  The Cowboys have an offense that can score 30 points every week.

The Cowboys have already scored 87 points in three games, and they have looked impressive putting up those numbers. Prescott has proved that no lead is safe against his team. This is a team that can comfortably throw the ball down the field and if the Cowboys defense was playing better, they could be 2-1, maybe even 3-0.

Expect the line to move in their favor leading up to kickoff.

 

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