The 2-2 Los Angeles Chargers visit the 2-2 Cleveland Browns Sunday, as an injured Justin Herbert will duel with Jacoby Brissett.
Los Angeles has won three straight games against Cleveland dating back to 2017, but the Chargers are hardly healthy right now. Cleveland needs a bounce-back game after losing a tough game against Atlanta.
So, which team has the edge?
Read on for our Los Angeles vs Cleveland predictions, betting tips, and best bets.
Chargers vs Browns Odds
This line opened across the market between LAC -2 and LAC -2.5. The Chargers took the money and were bet up to -3.
I’d expect the odds to stick at LAC -3. Moving off the key number of 3 would mean a big or respected group hit one side or the other.
Keep a close eye on this line moving forward.
Take a look at the best Chargers odds and Browns odds for the 2022 NFL season.
Chargers vs Browns Implied Totals
Chargers 25.75, Browns 22.25
Vegas expects a typical NFL game that ends close to 50 total points with the much more talented team gutting out a win on the road.
Chargers vs Browns Pick of the Day
Read more on this Chargers vs Browns bet below.
Chargers vs Browns Prediction
Chargers 28, Browns 27
Cleveland is going to run the ball. Only three NFL teams have rushed the ball on a higher percentage of plays than Cleveland and only two have been more successful (per Football Outsiders’ DVOA metric).
The Browns don’t want to push Brissett and can lean on their offensive line and rush game. The game plan is mostly working so far.
The Chargers are relatively weak against the rush, allowing a whopping 5.4 yards per carry and ranking 18th in Rush Defense DVOA.
This game is set up well for a Browns cover. The Browns can run the ball, win the time of possession battle, and keep the ball out of Herbert’s hands enough to stay in the game.
I don’t trust the Browns to win, however. Cleveland has been one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL while Herbert has been extremely effective.
But it will be too tough for the Chargers to win by more than one possession given they have injuries to two important pass catchers and on both the offensive and defensive lines.
Expect a very tight game between the two teams but for the Chargers to ultimately prevail.
Chargers vs Browns Bet Tips
Here are some Chargers vs Browns betting trends to consider before placing your bets:
- The Underdog is 7-1 ATS in the last eight games between Los Angeles and Cleveland.
- The Over is 2-1 in the last three games between Los Angeles and Cleveland.
- The Chargers are 2-5 ATS in their last seven games following a win.
Chargers vs Browns Best Bets
Browns +3 (-115) at FanDuel Sportsbook
Los Angeles gutted out a win against Houston, but they didn’t look great. The Chargers are now dealing with injuries to Joey Bosa, Rashawn Slater, Keenan Allen, and Donald Parham Jr. That’s not to mention that Herbert also may be playing through an injury.
Cleveland provides too much value as a three-point home underdog. Plus, their ability to run the ball effectively works in their favor.
Expect Cleveland to ground and pound its way to a cover Sunday.
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Over 47.5 (-110) at FanDuel Sportsbook
I do expect this game to be high scoring. The Browns have been horrific defensively, especially against the rush. Cleveland also has three important defensive contributors listed as questionable in Myles Garrett, Jadevon Clowney, and Taven Bryan.
The Chargers always put up points, but the Cleveland offense can, too, as it’s 3-1 on the Over this season.
Look for Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt to have massive days on the ground against a lackluster Los Angeles front seven while Herbert lets it fly against a lackluster Cleveland secondary.
I’d make this total closer to 50.
Before placing this bet, get the best Browns promo codes.
