The Cleveland Browns' 2023-24 campaign will largely be remembered for the 45-14 thrashing by the Houston Texans in the Wild-Card Round paired with the devastating season-ending injuries incurred by both Deshaun Watson and Nick Chubb. It didn’t help that the offensive line was decimated by the injury bug as well. Nevertheless, Kevin Stefanski, with a little help from Joe Flacco, earned his second AP Coach of the Year Award, guiding the team to an 11-6 record both straight up and against the spread. This impressive performance secured the Browns a playoff spot after a two-year absence, surpassing their 9-game season win total odds and fulfilling their even-money playoff qualification odds. As we look ahead to the 2024-25 NFL season, many questions remain, prompting a closer examination of the current win total odds offered by the online sportsbook. Let's delve into the details and see if we can make an informed futures bet on the Browns' win total.
NFL Regular Season Wins Odds
Cleveland Browns 2024-25 Regular Season Win Total Odds
Browns Over 8.5 Wins -133
Browns Under 8.5 Wins +113
A Case for the Over: Despite losing Chubb to a significant knee injury in Week 2, the Browns continued to leverage their rushing attack as a key weapon, averaging 118.6 yards per game (No. 12) and nearly one rushing touchdown per game. Jerome Ford stepped up admirably, tallying 813 rushing yards and 4 TDs, along with 319 receiving yards and 5 TDs, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities over 17 games played. Until Chubb’s knee fully heals, expected around October or November rather than September, Ford will collaborate with newcomers D’Onta Foreman and Nyheim Hines in the backfield. GM Andrew Berry bolstered the offensive line through the draft and free agency to guard against further injuries to Cleveland’s experienced yet aging line. Supported by a solid defense, the Browns’ commitment to running the football may not yield as much as in the past NFL eras, but it could still help grind out crucial wins throughout the season.
A Case for the Under: NFL bettors remain uncertain about what to expect from Watson when he takes the field in Week 1 against Micah Parsons and the formidable Dallas Cowboys defense. Since his arrival from the Texans and signing a hefty $230 million contract, Watson's first two seasons in Cleveland have been, to say the least, underwhelming. He has only played eight games, amassing 2,217 passing yards with a 14:9 TD/INT ratio, and adding 317 rushing yards and 2 TDs. As he enters his age-30 season, Watson has yet to recapture the form that made him a standout in Houston. His performance has largely been disappointing, prompting upper management to sign Jameis Winston and Tyler Huntley in the offseason. Despite the talent in the receiving corps, highlighted by Jerry Jeudy acquired through trade, doubts remain about whether the current quarterback options can effectively distribute the ball in the offense. If not, the Browns will face a daunting challenge in the competitive AFC North.
2024-25 Cleveland Browns Schedule
Despite the challenges faced by the roster last season, the Browns still secured a playoff berth, one of three teams from their division to do so. However, their second-place finish places them against one of the toughest schedules in the league. According to Sharp Football Analysis, Cleveland’s 2024-25 schedule is ranked as the third toughest among all 32 teams and the second toughest within the AFC North, behind only the Steelers. The schedule features matchups against teams from the AFC West, NFC East, and standalone games against the Jacksonville Jaguars, New Orleans Saints, and Miami Dolphins. Six of their 14 opponents are currently favored to make the playoffs based on NFL futures odds at the online sportsbook. Additionally, nine out of their 17 games will be played away from Cleveland Browns Stadium. With only two home games in the first six weeks of the NFL betting season, it’s a challenge envisioning this team replicating their 4-2 start from last year, especially with Chubb likely sidelined and Watson still acclimating to the team.
Therefore, it's not surprising that the "Yes" option is paying out at +146 for the Browns to return to the postseason, while they sit a distant third +535 on the odds to win the AFC North, which is expected to be hotly contested between the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens by oddsmakers. Despite my admiration of the job Jim Schwartz did calling shots for the defense last year, especially with Myles Garrett coming off a Defensive Player of the Year Award-winning campaign, the offense raises too many uncertainties for me to confidently predict the Browns winning nine games and surpassing their season win total odds for a consecutive year. In addition to the uncertainties surrounding Watson and Chubb, the departure of Bill Callahan, who left to join the Tennessee Titans, leaves a void in molding the offensive line. Last year's success seemed patched together, relying on makeshift solutions. I anticipate these issues catching up with the franchise in the 2024-25 season.
NFL Win Total Prediction: Cleveland Browns Under 8.5 Wins
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
Check out the latest odds at BookMaker
