The Cleveland Browns (1-2) are facing off against the Las Vegas Raiders (1-2) on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. EDT, with the Raiders favored by 2 points according to BetMGM NFL odds. The Raiders lead the series between the two teams 15-10. Both teams have struggled against the spread, with Cleveland at 0-3 and Las Vegas at 1-2. The last time these two teams met, the Raiders defeated the Browns 16-14 on December 20, 2021.
In terms of offensive rankings, the Browns rank low in various categories: 31st overall, 24th in rushing, 30th in passing, and 25th in scoring. On the defensive side, the Browns rank 12th overall, 13th in rushing, 15th in passing, and 20th in scoring. Meanwhile, the Raiders boast a 21st overall offense, ranking last in rushing, 4th in passing, and tied for 17th in scoring. Defensively, the Raiders rank 30th overall, 29th in rushing, 23rd in passing, and 27th in scoring. The turnover differential affirms the struggles of both teams, with the Browns at minus-2 and the Raiders at minus-4.
One key player to watch for the Browns is quarterback Deshaun Watson, whose performance has been inconsistent so far this season. Watson has not yet met the expectations that come with his massive contract, and there is growing pressure for him to deliver improved results. For the Raiders, all eyes are on quarterback Gardner Minshew, who has shown promise but has yet to fully ignite the team’s offense.
A crucial matchup to monitor in the game is between the Raiders’ offensive tackles and the Browns’ defensive ends. While the Raiders’ Kolton Miller is a standout offensive lineman, his performance may be impacted by his recovery from offseason shoulder surgery.
Both teams are dealing with significant injuries. Browns defensive end Myles Garrett is nursing multiple injuries, and the offensive line is missing key players like Wyatt Teller and Jedrick Wills Jr. The Raiders have their own injury concerns, particularly with defensive end Maxx Crosby and several other players on the roster.
The upcoming game between the Browns and the Raiders holds significance as the Raiders have won the last four meetings between the teams. The Browns will be looking to improve their performance, especially on the road where they have had struggles in recent years.
In terms of fantasy football, Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy has had success against the Raiders in the past while playing for the Denver Broncos, making him a player to consider for fantasy lineups.
As the two teams prepare to face off, football fans are eagerly anticipating a competitive and exciting game between the Browns and the Raiders in what is sure to be a closely contested matchup.