At the onset of the 2019 season no team is getting as much love as Cleveland. Based on a 5-2 online NFL betting record to end 2018 the Browns are the hot new thing. But questions remain as to their actual viability. Many remember how San Francisco won a bunch of meaningless regular season games at the end of 2017. Only to implode as a trendy pick in 2018. By contrast Tennessee is facing a lot of doubters after failing to make the playoffs last year. Following a 2017 playoff campaign the Titans offense failed to deliver.
Tennessee Titans vs. Cleveland Browns
| Date and Time: | Sunday, September 8, 2019, 1 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | First Energy Stadium, Cleveland, Cleveland, Ohio |
| Titans vs. Browns TV Coverage: | CBS |
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Titans | +5½ (-105) | 45½ (-110) |  |
| Browns | -5½ (-115) | 45½ (-110) | |
| |||
Titanic Drop
Tennessee posted an online NFL betting record of 9-7 straight up and 8-8 vs. the spread. Over unders for the Titans were an even 8-8 split. Of great concern is an offense that finished 25th overall and 27th for scoring. Going to waste was a defense that ranked third for points allowed. Second year head coach Mike Vrabel is already under the gun.
Brown Out
Cleveland posted a 2018 online wagering record of 7-8-1 straight and 10-6 vs. the odds. Seven of their games went under the total. Namely rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield jumpstarted the offense. Cleveland improved to 13th overall in total offense last year. However, the Browns defense finished 30th in the NFL. And that is what may slam the breaks on all the hype.
Mayfield and Kitchens Look to Score
Freddie Kitchens coordinated the improved Cleveland offense in 2018. Quarterback Baker Mayfield became a star in Kitchens’ system. As a result, Kitchens is the new Browns head coach. Mayfield was named NFL Rookie of the Year. He posted a 93.7 quarterback rating with a 27/14 touchdown to interception ratio. Mayfield averaged 7.7 yards per attempt. Jarvis Landry was Mayfield’s top target in 2018. Consider Landry had 81 catches good for 976 yards and four touchdowns. Nick Chubb ran for 996 yards and 5.2 yards per carry with eight touchdowns.
Make or Break for Mariota
Although Marcus Mariota finished with a 92.3 QB rating his 11/8 touchdown to interception ratio was lackluster. In four years, Mariota has been solid though hardly spectacular. For this reason, the 2019 season is the most important of his career. Namely Derrick Henry is a key contributor. Henry rank for 1059 yards and 4.9 yards per carry last year. Wideout Corey Davis added 65 catches for 891 yards and four TD’s.
Matchup to Watch
In this situation the Titans defense is the online NFL betting matchup advantage. Cleveland’s leaky unit should leave the back door open. Beyond that Tennessee is actually the more proven team in the long run.
Titans vs. Browns Online NFL Betting Trends
The Titans are:
4-7 ATS as road dogs
5-3 over the total as road dogs
1-3 ATS at Cleveland
2-1 over the total at Cleveland
The Browns are:
2-7 ATS as home favorites
3-7-1 under the total as home favorites
3-0 ATS in last three meetings with Tennessee
Online NFL Betting Pick: Tennessee Titans
Online NFL Betting Score Prediction: Titans 21, Browns 20
Catch an interview with Titans QB Marcus Mariota!