Top Three Bets for the Raiders at Browns in Week 15

Last week, the Cleveland Browns improved their NFL playoff odds with a crucial win at home. Now, the Browns will host the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 15.

Let’s look at some top wagers for the Raiders at Browns game on Saturday afternoon.

Cleveland Browns (+1.5)

The Browns are 4-4 in their last eight games. Still, with their recent win over the Baltimore Ravens, the Browns are back in the thick of the AFC playoff race.

Baker Mayfield threw for only 190 yards but had two touchdown passes and one interception last week. But it was the Cleveland defense that came up big with four sacks on Baltimore quarterbacks.

Lamar Jackson left with a sprained ankle on the first play of the second quarter, leaving Tyler Huntley in control of the offense. The Ravens came close to erasing a 24-3 deficit, but the Browns held on to win.

Last week, Las Vegas lost to the Kansas City Chiefs, 48-9, after falling behind 35-0 before halftime. The Raiders had five turnovers as well.

Derek Carr was 33-45 for 265 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

In all six of the Raiders’ wins this year, Carr has passed for more than 300 yards. This week, the Raiders face a Browns defense ranked fourth in yards allowed per game (321.2) and seventh in passing yards allowed (215). Recent news reports say cornerback Troy Hill and safety John Johnson III are also in COVID-19/reserve, but I still believe the Raiders will struggle on offense. Carr has been sacked 31 times, and the Raiders have a severe problem with penalties stopping their drives. They’ve had 104 penalties for 924 yards this season.

I think Carr will have a difficult time passing the ball this week, which is why I’m taking Cleveland in this game.

Raiders at Browns Over/Under 38.5

The Browns will have to play this game without some vital offensive ingredients. Quarterback Baker Mayfield and receivers Jarvis Landry and Austin Hooper just entered the COVID-19/reserve list. And the offensive line will have to operate without linemen Wyatt Teller and Jedrick Wills Jr., who are also on the list. In addition, Kevin Stefanski also tested positive and will have to follow league protocols.

The Browns’ will also be without Kareem Hunt, who’s nursing an ankle injury, for Week 15.

Cleveland is 6-2 when they rush for over 150 yards in a game. Nick Chubb will be the Browns’ primary runner without Hunt in the lineup.

I believe the Browns can score on the ground against the Raiders’ 26th-ranked rush defense. Las Vegas allows an average of 125.3 rushing yards per game and has given up 14 TDs on the ground. Cleveland is tenth in rushing attempts per game with 28.8. Against the Raiders’ weak run defense, I believe they’ll rush the ball between 28-32 times to control the clock.

Meanwhile, Las Vegas is 31st in the NFL in third-down conversions. Against a team with strong pass defense, this could become problematic. If the Browns can get the Raiders into third and long frequently, I expect the Raiders’ issues on third down to continue, meaning they won’t have enough opportunities to push this game over.

Cleveland’s ability to control the ball and stop the Raiders on third down should make for a low-scoring game, so I’m taking the under 38.5 for this game.

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Even with a weakened squad, I like Cleveland to win at home. Cleveland’s passing defense and ability to control the clock with their running game should be enough for them to get the win, in my opinion.

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