The Cleveland Browns opened as 2.5-point underdogs for their home opener against the Carolina Panthers ahead of their Week 3 match-up, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. The over/under on the game is 40.5.
The Browns (1-1) are coming off of a 23-19 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It was obviously a way better performance than their first game. The defense came to play, and seemed to show more man defense — although it was a zone drop by CB Myles Harden that led to an interception. And then, QB
Deshaun Watson played perhaps his best game as a member of the Browns, including a very solid second half with two touchdown drives. Before the game, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that QB Shedeur Sanders was about to start the opener against the Panthers. But now, Watson remains the guy and gets credit for a solid effort.
The Panthers (1-1) blew out the Atlanta Falcons 34-3, a week after they lost a shootout to the Bears 59-37. It’s an unusual team to have a pulse on right now, because statistically, they’re essentially the hottest offense in football. But they also had a horrible defensive effort against the Bears, but a great one against one of the worst offensive teams in the NFL.
For both teams having .500 records, and Cleveland being at home, it’s a marginal surprise that the Browns aren’t the slight favorites. Maybe Vegas doesn’t know what to think of Watson and the Browns looking good after that abomination in Week 1.
The over/under for the game is 40.5.
What odds would you take if you were placing a bet?
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