Raiders vs Browns Odds, Lines, and Spread
- The Cleveland Browns (5-2) are 2.5-point home favorites against the Las Vegas Raiders (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET) in Week 8.
- Sunday Betting Record: 1-6-0, -5.10 Units.
- See the game odds, spread and total as well as a preview below.
The question you have to ask yourself this week before placing a bet on this game is whether you truly believe in the Cleveland Browns.
While the Browns’ 5-2 record represents their best start since 1994, they sometimes haven’t looked all that impressive. They have given up 21 more points than they have scored this season. And how much credit should we give them for needing a five-TD performance from Baker Mayfield for last week’s win against the 1-6 Cincinnati Bengals?
Cleveland has been strong against the run, ranking fifth in the NFL, but the Browns have given up 288 passing yards per game. Opponents have thrown 16 TD passes against the Browns. Only the Saints, Texans and Falcons have given up more.
The Browns are also 3-4 against the spread this season, making them against look like they are always ripe for an upset.
Las Vegas Raiders vs Cleveland Browns Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas Raiders | +120 | +2.5 (-110) | O 49.5 (-110) |
| Cleveland Browns | -137 | -2.5 (-110) | U 49.5 (-110) |
Odds taken Oct. 31 from DraftKings
Signs Point to Huge Game by Derek Carr
When it comes to accurate throws, Carr has been second-best in the NFL this season. Only Drew Brees, at 72.6%, has a better completion percentage than Carr (72.0%).
Carr is on a path toward the best season of his NFL career. Averaging 245 yards per game during his career, Carr has thrown for an average of 287 yards per game this season. By comparison, Mayfield is averaging 198.9 yards per game.
With the Browns ranking 30th in the NFL in pass defense, Carr seems likely headed to a 300+-yard passing day on Sunday. Darren Waller (40 catches, 345 yards) is his favorite target, but he likes to dump the ball off to running back Josh Jacobs as well. But keep an eye on game-breaking rookie Henry Ruggs III who seems ready for a memorable game.
#Raiders Derek Carr has faced the Browns 3 times in his career and has topped 300 yards passing in all of them. Cleveland is the only team Carr has thrown for 300+ yards at least 3 times
— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) October 30, 2020
Mayfield May Be Turning the Corner
After starting 0-for-5 passing against Cincinnati last week, Mayfield completed 22-of-23 passes to fuel his team to an important win. Cleveland fans had to be thinking that Mayfield is finally becoming the quarterback they need him to be.
Mayfield has been solid, consistent and dependable, even very good at times, this season. But his effort against the Bengals was the first time this season he showed a ‘wow’ factor. Before tossing those five touchdown passes, he had thrown 10 touchdown passes in six games.
The Browns are excited by Mayfield’s growth this season. But fans will need to see more of what we saw last Sunday before they can fully believe Mayfield can be a championship-caliber signal caller.
Baker Mayfield started 0/5 with an INT, then went nearly perfect:
22-23
297 Yards
5 TDsHis only incomplete pass was a spike to stop the clock.
Shut the haters up. pic.twitter.com/Rj1lLbWYSL
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 25, 2020
Myles Garrett Will Play vs Raiders
Cleveland defensive end Myles Garrett, leading the NFL with nine sacks, has been cleared to play. He practiced Friday after missing two days of practice with an ankle injury.
The Browns will be without tight end Austin Hooper (appendicitis), linebacker Jacob Phillips (knee) and right guard Wyatt Teller (calf).
Receiver Bryan Edwards (foot/ankle) and defensive end Arden Key (foot) are both listed as questionable. Key didn’t practice all week and Edwards was very limited.
Man, I really hope rookie wide receiver Bryan Edwards plays Sunday. I’d really like to see what he’s got since he hasn’t played much and when he did play he wasn’t targeted much.
— Austin Martin (@RaiderAus) October 30, 2020
Raiders Should be Poised for Upset vs Browns
When you bet in horse racing, you sometimes bet the jockeys. A quality jockey can win with a very good horse. He or she doesn’t need a great horse.
In this NFL game, it might be advisable to bet the Raiders QB. Nothing wrong with Mayfield who is coming off an exceptional performance. But Carr should be able to light up the Browns’ weak pass defense. Would you be shocked if Carr threw for 350+ against the Browns? Mayfield hasn’t thrown for 300 yards in any game this season.
Pick: Raiders +2.5 (-110)
Kevin Allen has covered most major events, including the Olympics, Super Bowl, World Series, NBA Finals and Stanley Cup Final. He covered the NHL for USA Today from 1986-2020, receiving the Lester Patrick Award in 2013 and was honored by the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2014 with the Elmer Ferguson Award.
