Los Angeles Chargers vs. Cleveland Browns October 9 Betting Preview

The Los Angeles Chargers (2-2) travel to Cleveland to take on the Browns (2-2) this Sunday at 1:00 p.m at FirstEnergy Stadium.

Last season, when the Cleveland Browns faced off against the Los Angeles Chargers, we witnessed a shootout that amounted to 89 combined points and a close Charger win. Today, the point total (over/under) sits at 47.5

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The Favorite: Chargers (-136)

This Charger team has taken a step back from what fans thought their potential was last season. You might think that with this current Chargers roster, the team is set to dominate the league. Unfortunately, this has not been the case yet. 

The Chargers two losses this season were undoubtedly disappointing. Quarterback Justin Herbert has been hitting on big plays despite playing through a fracture in his rib cartilage. Herbert has yet to throw for under 250 yards this season which, is impressive considering his go-to wide receiver in Keenan Allen has been out most of the year. 

Runningback Austin Ekeler’s rushing stats may be deceiving, as despite low rushing totals for a player of his caliber, he has provided his usual spark to the Chargers receiving game. 

This matchup against the injury-riddled Browns defense projects to be a feast for versatile running backs. If Charger fans had to point a finger to explain why this team doesn’t have a better record, they’d probably immediately point out the defense. The Chargers' defense has allowed the most points in the AFC and the third most points overall. 

The Spread: Browns +2.5 (-115) 

The Browns are 2-2 against the spread this year, and this weeks matchup is way too risky for me to touch that. After last week's ugly loss against the Falcons, it’s still yet to be determined if the Browns are losing to teams or simply beating themselves. 

Yes, that’s sort of the same thing, but it feels like the Browns should be 4-0 with more impressive wins on their record. 

Browns fans felt like they left points on the board against the Falcons, and the defense has not been much better than the Chargers. This Browns secondary is looking to regroup and put together statement stops against a Chargers team that is a threat on the ground and in the air.

 Defensive Coordinator Joe Woods could be coaching for his job this Sunday, as more busted coverages and miscommunications between defensive players are unacceptable, considering the talent on this roster. 

The Browns have scored on 46 percent of their offensive drives this season which is tied for third-best in the NFL. Jacoby Brissett continues his safe style of quarterback play, but it seems that Kevin Stefanski is opening up the field more for him to get aggressive. 

Wide receivers Amari Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones will draw tough matchups versus the Chargers secondary that includes J.C. Jackson and Derwin James. We can expect Kevin Stefanski to scheme plays open, as turning the ball over against a team with the offensive capabilities of the Chargers is usually a death sentence. 

It’s a tough ask for the Browns' offense to try and keep up if the Browns' defense is giving up chunk plays.