NFL Betting Online: The Browns are headed in the right direction with quality draft years, but the quarterback position remains a weakness.
Can Johnny Football be the leader the team envisioned?
2014 Season Record: 7-9 SU, 9-5-2 ATS, 5-11 O/U
2015 Regular Season Wins Total: 6.5, +110 O, -130 U
Odds to Win Super Bowl: +13339
Odds to Win AFC: +6300
Odds to Win Division: +1199
For all the roster maneuvering in Cleveland, the Browns still have one glaring problem – they don’t have a quarterback. And we know it’s hard to win football games without a quarterback.
There is still hope that Johnny Manziel can turn things around after a disastrous rookie season, but Josh McCown certainly isn’t the guy. It’s possible the Browns have the worst quarterback group in the league.
McCown parlayed four decent games with Chicago in 2013 into a deal with Tampa Bay before a face plant last season when he made numerous poor decisions with the football. McCown is the likely starter to open the season but the Browns are hopeful Manziel steps up to take the reins.
Even if one of the quarterbacks can play well, their top receivers will be newcomers Dwayne Bowe and Brian Hartline. The Browns biggest threat, Josh Gordon, is out for the season due to suspension and tight end Jordan Cameron bailed in free agency.
An elite defense and strong running game can mask issues at the quarterback position. So the Browns attempted to address their roster from that standpoint, upgrading the defensive front and offensive line, while adding another talented running back.
The running game could get a boost if rookie Duke Johnson can translate to the NFL game. But if not it’s up to Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West.
Cleveland had a nice draft, but as always it will take time for those rookies to develop. Both lines were improved with nose tackle Danny Shelton, defensive end Nate Orchard and center Cameron Erving. Shelton should help improving the league’s worst run defense.
There are questions on both sides of the football, too many for the Browns to keep up in the tight AFC North. They’re not an easy out, but saying they’ll go 6-10 is generous. To believe in the Browns’ rise you have to have faith that Manziel will resurrect his career or McCown will find his 2013 touch. Don’t bet on it.
KEY ADDITIONS: QB Josh McCown, CB Tramon Williams, WR Dwayne Bowe, WR Brian Hartline, DL Randy Starks, TE Rob Housler.
KEY LOSSES: TE Jordan Cameron, LB Jabaal Sheard, CB Buster Skrine, QB Brian Hoyer, WR Josh Gordon (suspended), DT Ahtyba Rubin, WR Miles Austin
The Browns have no quarterback, no weapons and an average defense. Head coach Mike Pettine moves onto the hot seat at the end of the season where five wins seems like the ceiling. BookMaker opened with the Browns’ win total at 6.5. Jump on the under for this one.
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