Cleveland Browns vs Las Vegas Raiders Betting Preview
The Las Vegas Raiders and Cleveland Browns are set to be part of the NFL’s Monday slate of Week 15 of the 2021 season. Las Vegas enters as a one-point favorite, thanks in large part to a rash of COVID-19 related roster issues for the Browns. And with the Browns and Raiders both still in the race for a Wild Card spot in the AFC, there are some high stakes for both teams in this conference clash.
Las Vegas Raiders
Las Vegas took an embarrassing loss last week, getting blown out 48-9 by the Kansas City Chiefs. That loss was the Raiders’ fifth in their last six games, as they have gone from 5-2 to 6-7 on the year during that stretch. Now, the Raiders have an opportunity to go back to .500 on the season against a Browns team that has lost its starting quarterback, top wide receiver, and several other key pieces this week.
But for all of the issues set to plague the Browns’ offense this week, it is the Raiders’ offense that has needed work. Las Vegas has scored 16 or fewer points in five of their last six games, winning the only game where they have broken that number over the last month and a half. Derek Carr simply needs to be better, even if injuries to Darren Waller have slowed him down, as the Raiders desperately need to take advantage of their opportunity this week.
Cleveland Browns
Cleveland got a much-needed win off of their bye week in Week 14, as they held on to beat the Baltimore Ravens at home. The Browns got off to a great start in that game, taking the lead and knocking Lamar Jackson out with an ankle injury. But the Browns let Ravens backup quarterback Tyler Huntley get the game to within two points before time ran out, which has to be concerning for the Browns even if they got the win.
This week, the Browns will have to move the ball with Case Keenum as their quarterback, as Baker Mayfield tested positive for COVID-19. Cleveland did win a Thursday Night Football game with Keenum at quarterback against the Denver Broncos earlier this season. But this is far from the ideal situation for the Browns, who were favored by six points earlier in the week before their COVID issues surfaced.
Keys To The Game
The biggest key to this game for the Las Vegas Raiders is going to be stopping the rushing attack of the Cleveland Browns. Cleveland’s biggest strength on offense is its ability to move the ball on the ground, with Nick Chubb being one of the best backs in the NFL right now. With Case Keenum at quarterback, the Browns will likely lean heavily on their ground game again this week, making run defense the top priority for the Raiders.
Cleveland’s biggest key to the game on Saturday night will be their defense, as they will need to give their offense plenty of cushion to work with. Cleveland’s defense was terrific last week against the Baltimore Ravens, but the more pass-happy offense of the Raiders could cause them problems this week.
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