.jpg "Browns-at-Chargers-(CBS)")
Despite an 0-4 start, Los Angeles is only a game back of the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West and coming on strong. The Browns, meanwhile, are once again a mess and seemingly headed toward the top pick in the NFL draft.
Cleveland only won a single game a year ago and it came over the Chargers. They would love to get another upset victory in this one, but it’s going to be exceedingly difficult. Los Angeles is a big-time favorite at home in this matchup.
This contest in Week 13 of the regular season will go down Sunday, December 3, 2017, at 4:05 p.m. ET at the StubHub Center.
Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Cleveland Browns +13.5
Los Angeles Chargers -13.5
Over/Under 42.5
Odds Analysis
The Chargers are nearly two-touchdown favorites, and even with that high spread more than 83 percent of the action is on Los Angeles to cover this spread. The scoring total is lower than an average game because of Cleveland’s inefficiency when it has the ball. The “over” is the more popular choice, with more than 77 percent of the money counting on more points than the oddsmakers project.
The Chargers are a fat -1100 favorite on the moneyline, while the Browns are listed at +711 to pull off the upset.
Player To Watch
Josh Gordon — The Browns wide receiver is back. After being suspended since the 2014 season because of substance abuse issues, Gordon has been reinstated and is set to make his return to the field against the Chargers.
Gordon looks to be in good shape but it remains to be seen what kind of impact he can have immediately. Gordon is one of the most talented players in the NFL when on the field.
He had a ridiculous 1,646 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in only 14 games played as a 22-year-old in 2013. Gordon has to prove he can stay clean and stay on the field, but when he is out there he has the rare talent to dominate anybody that is covering him.
Browns quarterback DeShone Kizer should look for Gordon often in this one.
Key Stat
Isaiah Crowell —The Browns’ leading rusher was limited in practice again this week with an ongoing shoulder injury. The fourth-year running back has been nursing the injury the last few weeks and is expected to play Sunday against the Chargers.
Casey Hayward — Los Angeles’ All Pro cornerback could miss Sunday’s game against the Browns as he deals with a personal tragedy. Hayward’s younger brother was killed in an car accident this week. The 28-year-old has been a lockdown defender for the Chargers this season with two interceptions and outstanding coverage.
Mike Williams — The Chargers’ wide receiver injured his knee against the Cowboys last Thursday and is listed as doubtful this week. Initial fears were a torn ACL, but the injury looks to be less severe. Still, he was not at practice this week and it’s likely he will sit out this week against the Browns.
Free ATS Pick
The Chargers are hitting their stride, and they should have no trouble winning this one. Quarterback Philip Rivers is playing well, while Joey Bosa has quickly become one of the most dominant pass-rushers in the NFL.
Take Los Angeles to win by double-digits, and to narrowly cover the spread. Take the “over” as the presence of Gordon should help open the Cleveland offense and get it some points.
NFL Odds: Chargers 31, Browns 17
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