For the first time since 2002, the Cleveland Browns made the NFL Playoffs. Now the question is, was it an aberration or a portent of Pro Football betting things to come? Cleveland improved from a 6-10 mark in 2019 to 11-5 in 2020. Additionally, the Browns upset the Steelers at Pittsburgh in the wild card playoff round. Subsequently, Cleveland then gave the Chiefs the scare of their lives at Kansas City before losing in the divisional round. Rookie head coach Kevin Stefanski was named AP, PFWA, and Sporting News NFL Coach of the Year.
2021 Cleveland Browns Betting Odds
| Browns | Odds |
|---|---|
| Odds to win Super Bowl: | +1458 |
| Odds to win AFC Conference: | +700 |
| Odds to win AFC North Division: | +119 |
| 2021 Regular Season Win Total: | 10.5 |
2021 Cleveland Browns SBG Odds Overview
Fashion the tremendous excitement in Cleveland. In 2020, the Browns changed perceptions of fans and gamblers. Now comes the hard part. This year everyone will be taking the Browns seriously. They will get the full attention of all opponents. The ambushing is over. As a result, their sports betting value is likely to drop. Even if Cleveland equals or surpasses their on-field record of 2020.
2021 Cleveland Browns Team Overview
Since their second coming in 1999, the Cleveland Browns franchise has been a consistent disaster. On the field, much to the frustration of their loyal fans, they have been consistent losers. Naturally, this disheartened diehard fans, many of whom date back to their first incarnation.
Correlate the name Cleveland Browns being synonymous with the Glory Years of pro football. Namely Paul Brown, Blanton Collier, Leroy Kelly, Paul Warfield, Gene Hickerson, Don Cockcroft, Milt Morin, and Jim Brown manned the marquee. Finally, there is hope the Browns have turned the corner.
Baker Mayfield had a breakthrough in his third season as a pro. To illustrate, Mayfield improved his QB rating from 78.8 in 2019 to 95.9 in 2020. Most impressive was Mayfield’s 26/8 TD/INT ratio in 2020 compared to 22/21 in 2019.
Wide receiver Jarvis Landry was Mayfield’s top target in 2020. To show, Mayfield, caught 72 catches for 840 yards and three touchdowns. Landry has cleared the 1000-yard receiving mark three times since 2015. Yet another wide receiver, Rashard Higgins, added 37 catches in 13 games, good for 16.2 yards per reception and four touchdowns.
Also important to the Browns offense is running back Nick Chubb. Last season Chubb cleared the 1000-yard rushing mark for the second consecutive season in 2020.
Defense remains the obstacle to the Browns
Defense remains the obstacle to the Browns being a serious championship contender. Therefore, Cleveland went heavy on defense at the 2021 NFL Draft. Cornerback Greg Newsome of Northwestern was drafted in the first round. Subsequently, linebacker Jeremiah Owusu Koramoah of Notre Dame went in the second round. One standout on the Cleveland defense in 2020 was defensive end, Myles Garrett. In sum, Garrett compiled 12 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, and two recoveries.
Second-year head coach Kevin Stefanski has a difficult rookie season to top. He arrived from the Vikings, where he was a longtime assistant and eventually offensive coordinator.
The first-week action affords the Browns an immediate opportunity to test themselves in a playoff rematch at the Kansas City Chiefs. The Pro Football Betting schedule takes a unique and quirky turn in weeks 12 and 14. To illuminate, matchups against the rival Baltimore Ravens sandwich a bye week.
2021 Cleveland Browns SBG Best Bet: Browns Under 10.5 Wins.