Cleveland Browns at New York Giants Betting Preview

Sunday Night Football features a matchup of playoff hopefuls as the Cleveland Browns (9-4) take on the New York Giants (5-8). The Giants will host this one at MetLife Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 8:20 pm ET.
Cleveland is coming off a disappointing loss last Monday night as they fell to the division rival Baltimore Ravens, 47-42. This was an especially tough night for people who bet on the Browns’ spread as they lost the three-point spread on a last-play safety. Still, the Browns showed they are capable of running with anyone.
The Giants are also coming off a loss as they were beaten by the Arizona Cardinals 26-7 last Sunday. In the loss, quarterback Daniel Jones could not make it through the game with leg injuries, and Colt McCoy had to finish it out. With Jones still hampered by the injuries, McCoy will start for the Giants Sunday.
The Browns are the favorites in this one despite playing on the road. They are currently -320 to win, while the Giants’ moneyline sits at +260. The spread features New York +6.5 while the over/under for total points is 44.5.
By The Numbers
Offensively, the Cleveland Browns have been the better of the two teams. They currently rank 13th in the NFL in offense, averaging 26.8 points per game. The Giants are 31st in the NFL, averaging just 18.3 points.
In terms of scoring defense, it is the Giants who hold the upper hand. They rank 10th in the league as they are allowing opponents just 22.4 points per game. Cleveland comes in 27th overall, allowing 28.3 points per game to opponents.
Cleveland Looks To Solidify Playoff Spot
At 9-4, the Cleveland Browns would have one of the Wild Card spots locked up if the season ended today. Winning the division is also not impossible at this point, especially with the Steelers on the schedule one more time, but the more likely avenue to the playoffs is the Wild Card.
Trying to lead the team to the playoffs is quarterback Baker Mayfield. On the season, Mayfield has thrown for 2,785 yards, 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He has also rushed for 104 yards and another score.
Mayfield’s best receiver this year has been Jarvis Landry. The veteran receiver has 60 receptions for 728 yards and two touchdowns.
The most potent part of the Browns offense is their two-headed monster at running back. Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt have been phenomenal this season.
Chubb has rushed for 881 yards and nine touchdowns, while Hunt has rushed for 772 yards and five scores. Hunt also has 252 yards receiving and another five scores.
Giants Looking To Win A Weak NFC East
It speaks volumes about the state of the NFC East that the Giants are 5-8 and only one game out of the division lead. Trying to overtake the Washington Football Team, the Giants will have their hands full as they take on Browns and Ravens before concluding with the Cowboys.
Due to Jones’ injury, McCoy will be starting under center for the Giants. He started for them a couple of weeks ago as they beat the Seattle Seahawks, 17-12.
In that win, he threw for 105 yards, one touchdown and an interception. The win was more about the Giants’ defense and running back Wayne Gallman having a nice game, but McCoy was still able to manage it to avoid a loss.
Speaking of Gallman, he has had a nice season this year after being forced into the starter role with Saquon Barkley being out. On the year, he has rushed for 561 yards and six touchdowns.
Defensively, the Giants have been led by Blake Martinez (68 tackles), Leonard Williams (8.5 sacks) and James Bradberry (three interceptions).
Browns Win And Cover
This is no longer the Cleveland Browns of the last decade. After years of futility, this team is a legitimate threat any time they take the field, and the Giants are going to learn that firsthand on Sunday night.
Especially with McCoy under center, I don’t think New York has the firepower to keep up with the Browns offense. For my money, I am taking the Browns not only to win but to cover the 6.5-point spread as well.