MNF Browns At 49ers: Picks & Preview

The NFL's Week 5 Monday Night Football game has the making of being a cracker. After last week turned into a damp squib, this week we have the Cleveland Browns travelling to the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers come into the game 3-0, with the Browns sitting at 2-2, but 2-0 on the road this season.

Cincinnati Bengals @ San Francisco 49ers

Levi’s Stadium, 8:15pm ET Monday September 30th, 2019

1u – Cleveland Browns +5 @ -105

- Per statschecker, the San Francisco 49ers are 3-6 ATS at home and 0-5 ATS as favorites since the start of last year.

- Per statschecker, the Cleveland Browns are 7-3 ATS on the road and 9-5 as underdogs since the beginning of 2018

This is a tough spot for the Browns. They have flown cross-country to face a team coming off their bye. However, the 49ers have been somewhat sloppy offensively this season, turning the ball over eight times through three games. The Browns defense, especially their defensive line, will be the best one the 49ers have seen all season, and I expect to see their offense struggle to get things going regularly.

The Browns offense finally demonstrated some signs of cohesion last times out against the Ravens and have already emerged victorious from one MNF game this season. The 49ers defense has been good against the run and pass this year, but their numbers are inflated from having faced mediocre competition in the form of a stuttering Bucs offense in Week 1, followed by the Bengals and Steelers. The Browns offense should be able to move the ball in this one and at the very least keep it close with a chance to win late on.

1u – Cleveland Browns Over 20.5 Total Points @ -105

- The Browns have scored over 21 points in both of their two road games this season

This line just feels too low. The Browns offense has struggled at times this year, scoring 13 points in their two home games. However, on the road they have got over 20 points both times, and I think they make it three from three here. The 49ers defensive numbers are artificially inflated by facing two bad offenses and a Buccaneers team who were not quite clicking when they met in Week 1. I expect to see the Browns to be able to put up enough points to keep this one tight.

By Ben Rolfe