- What: NFL Regular Season Game
- When: Sunday, September 29
- Who: Cleveland Browns vs Las Vegas Raiders
- Time: 1:25 p.m. PST
- Where: Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas, NV)
In Week 4, the Cleveland Browns will face the Las Vegas Raiders in an AFC matchup between two teams looking to bounce back from recent losses.
The Browns suffered a surprising defeat at home against the Giants, while the Raiders also faced a disappointing loss to the Panthers.
Cleveland Browns
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski is inclined to focus on the running game heavily. The Raiders have struggled to defend against it in the first three weeks.
In the first three games, Las Vegas has allowed an average of over 150 yards to opposing offenses, which presents an opportunity for the Browns to exploit.
you already know what day it is ????@DUDEwipes | #DawgPound pic.twitter.com/8VF7OeTNhr
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 29, 2024
Although Jerome Ford hasn’t been outstanding, the Browns’ interior offensive line can potentially create opportunities for successful plays. This should give Cleveland an advantage so they can sustain drives.
While Deshaun Watson’s deep passing has been inconsistent, his improved connection with Amari Cooper in the last game against the Giants is a promising sign.
Defensively, Cleveland doesn’t have too much to worry about. They performed well after the Week 1 loss to Dallas. Assuming they maintain this level of play, they should have a chance to win the game.
Las Vegas Raiders
After the loss to the Panthers, Raiders coach Antonio Pierce expressed disappointment in his players, suggesting that some made “business decisions” that impacted the team’s performance.
It’s unusual to hear this kind of critique from a head coach so early in the season. The reason for the harsh words from Pierce last week, was the performance Andy Dalton had, he threw for 319 yards and three touchdowns against the Raiders defense.
Chuba Hubbard also had a strong performance, rushing for 114 yards adding to the Raiders defensive struggles.
On the other side of the ball, Gardner Minshew had a tough time, only completing 18 of 28 for 214 yards with a touchdown and an interception. On the last drive, he was replaced by Aidan O’Connell, who threw for 82 yards and a late touchdown.
Today's hosts #CLEvsLV
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) September 29, 2024
Davante Adams leads the team in receiving with 18 catches for 209 yards and a touchdown, while rookie TE Brock Bowers has added 18 receptions for 197 yards.
Unfortunately, Adams will be out this week due to a hamstring injury, and star pass rusher Maxx Crosby is also sidelined with an ankle injury.
The offense will need to step up this week. If Minshew can’t deliver, Pierce will have a short hook and bench him for O’Connell again.
The biggest concern on offense is the running game, which currently ranks last in the NFL with only 51 yards per game. The run defense isn’t much better, allowing 152.7 yards per game, but they will be facing a team with similar struggles in the running game.
Browns-Raiders Best Bet
I don’t like this spot for the Raiders. The Browns are winless and have had some tough losses to start the season. If the Raiders had Crosby I would probably pick them to at least cover, but without him I don’t think the defense will have the same intensity.
I’ll take the Browns to cover the 2.5 points spread and win this game by a FG.
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Tony Reyes is a sports betting analyst and reporter for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X @TonyParlay.
