In Week 15, over a dozen players for the Cleveland Browns (7-6) tested positive for COVID-19. So how will that factor into their offense this week at home against the Las Vegas Raiders (6-7)?
NFL betting odds have entirely shifted. So let’s take a closer look at the Browns’ ability to overcome a devastating COVID-19 outbreak for their team this week.
Impact of COVID-19 on the Cleveland Browns (+100)
The Browns (+100) odds to win this week have changed dramatically. With news of so many players facing COVID-19 protocols, the Browns have switched from being the favorites to the underdog at home.
Among the players who’ve tested positive, the list includes quarterback Baker Mayfield, wide receiver Jarvis Landry, and tight end Austin Hooper. Head coach Kevin Stefanski also tested positive.
Backup running back Kareem Hunt could also be sidelined with an ankle injury.
Cleveland is the eighth seed in the AFC playoff picture, while the Raiders are now 12th. In their last six games, the Browns are 3-3.
Las Vegas has allowed 32.3 points on average in their last six contests. On offense, they’ve averaged 17.2 points per game. The Browns have averaged 17.5 points in each of their last six matchups.
This week, it’s likely that Case Keenum will get his second start for Cleveland. On the road against the Denver Broncos in Week 7, Keenum threw for 199 yards and one touchdown in a 17-14 victory.
A bet on the Browns to win at home this Saturday is risky. The same goes for the over-under at 38.5 or the small point spread. I believe that parlays will offer much better value for this game.
NFL Parlays: Raiders vs. Browns
Since the lines have changed so much, you might want to consider one-game parlays that are available. Here are two you can try:
-Browns to win and 41+ total points scored
-Raiders to win and both teams to score 10+ points
You’ll get a similar risk with these bets, but the payouts might work out better in your favor.
Cleveland has allowed an average of 16 points in each of their last three games. At home this season, they’ve given up an average of 17.9 points per contest.
Las Vegas ranks last in the NFL for allowing 32.7 points per matchup in their previous three games. Their opponents have averaged 28.8 points per contest this season on the road.
The Raiders also rank 26th at stopping the run, while Cleveland’s rushing offense ranks fourth in the league.
To me, both of these parlays are attractive, but the Raiders to win and both teams with 10+ points is the safest bet, in my opinion.
Key Players for the Browns This Week
The Browns could lean heavily on their running game in Week 15. Running backs Nick Chubb and D’Ernest Johnson should get a lot of carries this week.
With Chubb, Hunt, and Mayfield sidelined against the Broncos, Johnson had his best game of the season. He carried the ball 22 times for 146 yards and one touchdown.
The Browns might also need to rely on receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones, a 2020 draft pick. He’s averaged 18.7 yards per reception this season with 430 yards and three touchdowns.
Other young players like tight end David Njoku, strong safety Grant Delpit, and rookie linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah will also play pivotal roles in this matchup.
Cleveland Browns: Can They Overcome Their COVID-19 Outbreak?
The Browns are dealing with 18 players who’ve tested positive for COVID-19 in Week 15. While they face many sidelined starters, they still have the depth to give them opportunities to put points on the board.
What do you think? Can the Cleveland Browns overcome their COVID-19 outbreak this week to beat the Las Vegas Raiders?
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