Why patriots favored

Bill Belichick and Co. The Pats now welcome in a Cleveland Browns team that is right behind them in the playoff race. The Browns are coming off a rout of the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday as Nick Chubb rushed for yards and two touchdowns, and Baker Mayfield completed 14 of 21 passes for yards and two touchdowns.

Will the Patriots be able to contain the Browns and extend their winning streak? Line: Patriots The Patriots have dominated the Browns over the last two-plus decades, winning nine of the last 11 matchups between the two teams dating back to Cornerback Greedy Williams looks good to go here, giving Joe Woods all his secondary weapons. But like its offense, the early-down metrics are elite — Cleveland ranks fifth in EPA and first in success rate allowed on early downs.

With Garrett and Clowney fully healthy, this pass rush should continue to dominate and turn those numbers around. Jones has wilted under pressure this season. His passing grade drops to If Cleveland can continue to dominate on early downs and put New England in third and longs, it could turn into a very long day for Jones. The Browns have advantages all over the defense.

And in-game decision making? Kevin Stefanski is one of the best at going for it on fourth down when he should. As for Bill Belichick, he is dead last so far in terms of win probability lost by punting instead of going for it. In a tight, physical game, one extra possession may be the difference. Home-field advantage has been chronically overvalued this season in the market, with home teams winning on average by less than half a point in New England has some home-field advantage, but even with a conservative advantage, I have Cleveland as a favorite.

The Browns have the formula to finish off a game with a lead. Sports Betting. Pictured: Baker Mayfield. Joe Klein. Download App. Browns vs. Get up-to-the-minute NFL odds here. Plus more offers! How would you rate this article? Follow Us On Social. Sportsbook Bonuses. Ekeler has said he'll play but it's a good bet that he'll be less than percent.

He is not only the team's leading rusher, but he is also the third-leading receiver behind Mike Williams and Keenan Allen , with 27 receptions for yards and three touchdowns. Ekeler perhaps being limited is welcome news to the Patriots, whose defense has allowed opposing running backs to grab 46 catches for yards this season. New England must guard against the same sort of offensive deflation that the Chargers suffered from two weeks ago, after it ran up yards of offense against the Jets last week.

The encouraging thing for the Patriots on defense is that they've forced six turnovers over the last three weeks. SportsLine's model projects New England's defense does enough for the Patriots to keep this one close on Sunday. Oct 31, at pm ET 3 min read.

How to watch Patriots vs. Chargers Patriots vs. Chargers date: Sunday, October 31 Patriots vs. Chargers time: p. ET Patriots vs. Patriots Before entering any Patriots vs. Our Latest Stories Packers vs.