Browns vs Chiefs Odds
| Browns Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3.5 -115 | 41.5 -110 / -110 | -180 |
| Chiefs Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3.5 -105 | 41.5 -110 / -110 | +160 |
Starters from both teams are expected to see action in this final NFL preseason tuneup, so let's make a Browns vs. Chiefs pick.
Deshaun Watson and Cleveland’s first-stringers will likely play about 20 snaps, but details about the Chiefs’ plans are murky at best. We have seen Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City's first two preseason games.
Regardless, it’s the standout play of several backup quarterbacks that has me eyeing the total for my pick. Let's break down the Chiefs vs. Browns odds and make our bet.
Browns vs. Chiefs
Matchup Analysis
It’s ironic that the Chiefs’ battle to back up Mahomes reaches its apex against Cleveland. After all, it was only two years ago that Chad Henne was thrust into action after Mahomes suffered a concussion against the Browns in the playoffs.
Henne announced his retirement in February during Kansas City’s Super Bowl celebration, which created a pivotal vacancy behind Mahomes. The fight to replace him has been tight all summer between Blaine Gabbert and Shane Buechele. The former is a first-round flameout who’s had a steady career as a veteran backup, while the latter is an undrafted free agent who's bided his time for two years on Kansas City’s practice squad.
Both players have been fantastic this preseason. Gabbert leads the NFL with three preseason touchdown passes and has completed 11-of-16 passes for 179 yards. Meanwhile, Buechele has posted the league’s fourth-highest passer rating (112.2) and has completed 21-of-28 attempts for 260 yards and two touchdowns.
Add in Mahomes’ usual brilliance, and all three quarterbacks have the Chiefs offense humming. They’re averaging 31 points per game with 50 and 48 total points scored in each of their first two preseason games.
Bet Cleveland vs. Kansas City at FanDuel
Meanwhile, we figure to see plenty of Cleveland's preseason darling, Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Cleveland drafted the UCLA product in the fifth round and he’s been so impressive that the Browns unexpectedly traded veteran backup Joshua Dobbs to the Cardinals.
Thompson-Robinson has certainly earned the backup job. He leads the NFL in preseason passing yards (348) through the first two weeks. The rookie has completed 30-of-46 passes with two touchdowns and a 102.4 passer rating. Cleveland’s offense has struggled at times, but it has been most effective with DTR at the helm.
Facing the Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium — in the Chiefs’ first home game since winning Super Bowl LVII — figures to be Thompson-Robinson's stiffest test to date. Normally, I’d steer clear of a fifth-round pick under these circumstances. However, he has exceeded expectations all summer, so I’m not afraid to bank on him putting up some points.
Browns vs. Chiefs
Betting Picks & Predictions
There are plenty of reasons to believe points will be plentiful between the Chiefs and Browns. Bookmakers agree as the total has steadily crept up from 38 to 41.5.
The public feels the line’s moved too much as most of the money is on the under, and I don’t blame them. That's why I’m only sprinkling a little on the over. In fact, if the line goes any higher, I'll consider it a "stay away" line.
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