Cleveland Browns at Los Angeles Chargers Betting Preview
A pair of 3-1 NFL teams meet up on Sunday afternoon in Los Angeles when the Chargers host the Cleveland Browns. Both teams look like AFC Playoff contenders this season, and this could be a potential playoff preview.
Cleveland comes into this game with a ton of momentum after rattling off three straight wins. The Browns are currently sitting in first place in the AFC North, but that division is loaded with some solid teams.
The Los Angeles Chargers have won two straight games, and one of those victories came on the road in Kansas City. The AFC West is another division that is loaded so far this season, and the Chargers will need to keep stacking victories.
The Los Angeles Chargers are 2.5-point favorites over the Cleveland Browns in this Week 5 NFL showdown.
Browns Need More From Baker
The Browns might be off to a 3-1 start, but they are still looking for more production from quarterback Baker Mayfield. Mayfield has thrown just two touchdown passes this season, and his interception total matches that as well.
Nick Chubb leads the Browns with 362 rushing yards, but Kareem Hunt has played a huge role in the rushing attack as well. Cleveland is rushing for nearly 180 yards per game, and they are going to be handing the ball off a ton.
Myles Garrett leads a Browns defense that is allowing just 16.8 points per game this season. The Browns have the ability to get after the quarterback, and that will be crucial on Sunday afternoon.
Chargers Can Be Explosive
The Chargers might only be averaging 24 points per game this season, but that offense has the ability to score points in a hurry. Los Angeles does most of its damage through the air, and quarterback Justin Herbert looks like a future star.
Herbert has thrown for 1,178 yards and nine touchdowns this season, and he won’t be afraid to throw the ball deep in this game. Los Angeles does need to find a way to get the run game going on Sunday, but Herbert won’t be easy for the Browns to deal with.
Los Angeles doesn’t have a defense that is feared as much as Cleveland, but that unit has been playing well this season. The Chargers held the mighty Kansas City Chiefs to just 24 points, and they could put up a low number in this game.
Chargers Control Big-Time Matchup
The Cleveland Browns can really run the football, but they just throw the ball well enough to put pressure on the defense. Cleveland is going to need a big day from Baker Mayfield, but the Browns are also playing a defense that is loaded with talent.
Los Angeles has all the confidence in the world in quarterback Justin Herbert, and he continues to make big plays to lead his team. Herbert is going to have a big day on Sunday, and the Chargers’ offense will ultimately be too much for the Cleveland Browns.
Bet the Los Angeles Chargers -2.5 as they take control of this game late and cover the slim spread on Sunday afternoon.
