The Los Angeles Chargers travel to Cleveland to battle the Browns in a Week 9 matchup.
Our Chargers vs Browns prediction is for Cleveland to win the game outright.
Los Angeles (4-3) was dominant defensively in its Week 8 win over the Saints. They are in third place in the tough AFC West.
Cleveland (2-6) won a seesaw battle with the Ravens and seemed rejuvenated with backup quarterback Jameis Winston taking over for the injured Deshaun Watson.
Head-to-head, the Chargers have the advantage with a 19-9-1 record.
Offshore Odds: The Game Is Viewed as a Tossup
| Team | Spread | Money Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chargers | -1 (-115) | -120 | O 42.5 (-110) |
| Browns | +1 (-105) | +100 | U 42.5 (-110) |
Chargers Strive for Playoff Spot in Transition Year
Los Angeles arrives in Cleveland as something of an enigma. Although they have a star quarterback in Justin Herbert who has been favorably compared to Hall of Famer Dan Marino, they are having trouble scoring.
Much of this could be attributed to adapting to new head coach Jim Harbaugh’s preferred style of a West Coast offense and punishing defense. Harbaugh returned to the NFL this season after nearly a decade at the University of Michigan.
Los Angeles’ strength is its defense. They lead the league in the fewest points allowed per game with 13 and they are +6 in takeaways.
Offensively, they are in the bottom third in points scored, passing yards per game, and rushing yards per game. Apart from Herbert, they do not have household names on offense. Expect that to change in subsequent years. They are trying to achieve respectability and perhaps garner a playoff spot in a bridge year as Harbaugh reshapes the roster to his liking.
Cleveland Showed Signs of Life With Winston at QB
The Browns’ offense against Baltimore with Winston under center looked explosive compared to how it performed with Watson.
Winston completed 27 of 41 passes for 334 yards and three touchdowns. Also, the improved passing game allowed the Browns to open up the run game with Nick Chubb and D’Onta Foreman. It was the first game this season in which they scored more than 18 points.
The Browns’ defense has been respectable. If they hold L.A. to fewer than 20 points, they have a good chance of winning.
Against Los Angeles, feature back Jerome Ford is expected to play after dealing with a hamstring injury. Star defensive end Myles Garrett (Achilles) and receiver Jerry Jeudy (knee) were a full go at practice.
Chargers vs Browns Prediction: Cleveland Will Keep the Game Close
Since Los Angeles has struggled offensively and Cleveland’s offense exploded with Winston, this game will come down to defense. The Browns will hold the Chargers below 20 points and win the game.
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