NFL Expert Picks: Los Angeles Chargers vs. Cleveland Browns Predictions
NFL Expert Picks: Los Angeles Chargers vs. Cleveland Browns Predictions
It was a heartbreaker in Week 1 for the Cleveland Browns, losing a game they had in the bag over the Kansas City Chiefs. Since that point, they’ve gone on to win three in a row and continue their success with one of the league’s best rosters.
They have a tough matchup this week though, as they head to Los Angeles to take on the 3-1 Chargers. After suffering a three-point loss to the Cowboys in Week 2, they’re fresh off of wins over the Chiefs and Raiders.
This AFC matchup should be a fun one as it features two young quarterbacks and two really well-coached teams. Here’s what to expect from the Los Angeles Chargers vs Cleveland Browns matchup.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Cleveland Browns Predictions
Justin Herbert has been unbelievable to start of the year for the Chargers picking up where he left off as a rookie. He’s completing 68.9 percent of his passes for 294.5 yards per game with nine touchdowns to go with it. The team will likely go as far as he goes but with how he’s been playing, that’s not a concern at all for Chargers fans.
While Herbert steals the attention, the defense has been excellent. They rank seventh in points and ninth in yards allowed. One of their issues though comes against the run as they’ve allowed 558 yards on the ground. Against this Browns team, this can be a major issue.
Cleveland features the best ground attack in the league. They’re first in attempts, yards, and touchdowns thanks to their dynamic duo of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. We found out today that Baker Mayfield is dealing with a partially torn labrum, so perhaps they run even more this week with that in mind.
The strength of this team though is this defense. In the last two weeks, they’ve given up a combined 13 points and rank fourth in points allowed and second in yards. If anyone can contain Justin Herbert, it’s this ferocious defense.
Click Here For Browns vs Chargers Betting Odds
The Chargers are favored by two points at home, but I think I like the underdog this week. Since the start of 2020, the Browns are 5-2 as an away underdog for a 71.4 percent cover percentage. Over the same span, the Chargers are 4-4 as home favorites and just 5-5 in all their home games against the spread.
With the Chargers' inability to stop the run, that gives the Browns a slight advantage. This should be an excellent back and forth game between two teams, but I like the Browns a lot this week.
52 percent of the public money is on the Browns this week. It’s a toss-up, but give me the road dog in this one.