Cleveland Browns vs New England Patriots Betting Preview: AFC Foes Look for a Leg Up in Playoff Picture

Buffalo’s surprising loss last week has tightened things up in the AFC East and given the Patriots a slim chance of being relevant in the division. NFL betting odds don’t think so highly of their chances, but +490 is much shorter than they were weeks ago.

Cleveland is looking to go full steam ahead in the AFC North, where all four teams are still very much in play for the division title.

This could definitely be a preview of a postseason game, so perhaps this game is a little more meaningful than it looks on the surface.

Cleveland Browns (5-4) vs New England Patriots (5-4), CBS, 1:00 p.m. ET

Cleveland Browns vs New England Patriots NFL Betting Odds

Moneyline

• Cleveland Browns +112
• New England Patriots -134

Total

• OVER 45 (-110)
• UNDER 45 (-110)

Spread

• Cleveland Browns +2.5 (-112)
• New England Patriots -2.5 (-108)

Cleveland Browns vs. New England Patriots odds are via BetOnline Sportsbook as of Sunday, November 14, 2021 at 12:35 p.m. ET. Want to see NFL betting odds from several top online sportsbooks for every NFL matchup each week? Check out our NFL odds.

Cleveland Browns vs New England Patriots NFL Betting Picks

Check out our Cleveland Browns vs New England Patriots NFL betting picks, betting stats, and other Browns vs. Patriots matchup info here: Cleveland Browns vs. New England Patriots Matchup: NFL Betting Picks, Odds, Stats and More

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Cleveland Browns vs New England Patriots Best Bet

Cleveland Browns +2.5

This has definitely not been an easy season for Cleveland. There was a ton of hype to start the year and this team has been decimated by injuries and turmoil all season.

This week they are missing running back Nick Chubb (and his backup Kareem Hunt) so the NFL’s best rushing attack takes a hit. Putting more on QB Baker Mayfield is not necessarily a good thing, but at least he can breathe now without the Odell Beckham Jr. situation factoring in. The defense is also suffering from injuries, most noticeably, DE Myles Garrett is questionable. They need him to put some heat on Mac Jones.

New England has to be reasonably pleased with the way the first part of the season has gone. They have won three straight and have been competitive in their losses. The question is where do they go from here?

JJones has been steady, but they still need more from the quarterback if they are going to have a shot in the playoffs. It is really hard to dink and dunk your way to success when it matters most. The defense is ninth in yards allowed and fourth in points. Edge rusher Matt Judon has nine sacks and the rest of the group is schematically strong.

I don’t say this a ton, but I like Baker Mayfield better than the opposing quarterback in this matchup. This season, quarterback play seems more important than ever and Mayfield is a definite advantage for the Browns. Cleveland should be able to cobble together enough of a ground game to make the offense work as well. They have a great offensive line and enough weapons for Mayfield to have some success throwing the ball. The defenses are probably about even.

NFL Betting Prop Watch: Baker Mayfield Over 1.5 Passing Touchdowns

With no Chubb, the Browns should be looking to throw it more when they get in the red zone this week. They have good tight ends that can be effective in tight quarters. Mayfield has just eight TD passes on the season but has thrown for two TDs in back-to-back games and three of the last five. This is a great value for something that has happened more often than not in the recent past.

Cleveland Browns vs New England Patriots Score Prediction

Cleveland Browns 27, New England Patriots 20