Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Cleveland Browns November 27 Betting Preview

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-5) are making the trip up to FirstEnergy Stadium to take on the Cleveland Browns (3-7). Both teams' seasons so far have been well below the preseason expectations. This interconference matchup will look to provide a spark for either team for the last stretch of the season. 

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Favorite: Tampa Bay (-144)

For the first time in my recent memory, it's unclear whether we will see a Tom Brady-quarterbacked team in the playoffs. Despite being the division leader, this Bucs team does not look like a playoff team. Early season coaching struggles, injuries, and inconsistent play on offense have held this team back. 

Fortunately, much like the Dolphins and Bills, a tuneup game against the seemingly inept Browns is precisely what the doctor ordered. 

Tampa Bay has yet to build any real foundation in the running game, so this matchup can be used to demo the options in the backfield. The Bucs have only averaged about 18 points in their last two wins, but Cleveland's defense is an all-you-can buffet of touchdowns. 

The Browns leaders on the defensive side of the ball have publicly voiced that they are often unclear as to the direction and communication of the plays. Rachaad White looks to be the new RB1 in Tampa, so a game against one of the league's worst run defenses can provide the breakout game for the rookie. 

Mike Evans and Chris Godwin will have the tough draw of Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome. 

Tampa Bay also will look to slow down the overachieving play of Jacoby Brissett and Nick Chubb, as the Bucs carry the sixth-best passing defense and the fifth-best run defense. It still may not be a clear blowout, so the Bucs moneyline could be the best bet. 

Can The Browns Cover +3?

In short, yes, the Browns can cover +3.

The Browns have all the tools and talent to cover and even beat this Buccaneers team. I could even argue that if the Browns had any semblance of cohesion on defense, they should be the outright favorite against a slower Bucs team. Jacoby Brissett is certifiably balling. 

After throwing for 324 yards and three touchdowns last week against a tough Bills defense, it feels like those performances will never be good enough to win the game. This Browns defense is softer than a pack of your favorite dinner rolls. 

The players have about as much energy as I do after my fourth Thanksgiving plate. The Brown's defense is getting carved up worse than a turkey. 

This season, the only thing I’d be thankful for is a Joe Woods firing. The Browns, in all seriousness, should be able to cover, but with the way the team reacted after last week's game, you wonder if the players have already packed it in. The point total for this matchup sits at 42.5. 

Cleveland is liable to get lake-effect weather conditions, so there is a chance the passing and kicking game could be affected. The Browns are tied for 2nd in most points on average given up to opposing teams, at a whopping 26.9 points per game.