Los Angeles Chargers at Cleveland Browns Betting Preview/Prop Picks
08 October 2022
Time: 1:00 pm ET
Dunkel Ratings: LA Chargers 132.718; Cleveland 123.901
Dunkel Line & Total: LA Chargers by 9; 43
Vegas Line & Total: LA Chargers 3; 48
Dunkel Pick: LA Chargers (-3); Under
With a record of 2-2 this season, the Los Angeles Chargers are off to a roller coaster start. Last week, they pulled off a 34-24 win over the Houston Texans, which isn't impressive, but it's a win.
Unfortunately, injuries are still plaguing this team as they head to Cleveland to face the Browns. Their running defense better be in good shape as they face Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt.
The Cleveland Browns have the same 2-2 record as the Los Angeles Chargers. They got to that record by running the ball efficiently, but sometimes, they get stuck in that cycle. The identity of the team is their rushing game, but they may need to switch it up.
The Chargers' secondary has allowed certain teams to pick them apart. Could the Browns join that group and secure a win?
Los Angeles Chargers: WR Keenan Allen still ruled out
The unfortunate news for the Chargers is that WR Keenan Allen is still ruled out today. Allen is a reliable target for QB Justin Herbert and often finds holes in the defense.
Last week, Justin Herbert passed for 340 yards and two touchdowns against the Texans. The leading receiver was Mike Williams, who put up 120 yards, so he'll likely receive a lot of attention.
As a team, the Chargers are averaging 307.3 passing yards per game, ranking first overall. The problem is their running game averages just 64.5 yards per game, ranking last in the NFL.
If they could get their running game going, this team could be one of the best in the league. The Browns allow an average of 113.3 rushing yards per game, so keep that in mind.
Cleveland Browns: QB Jacoby Brissett needs to take chances
The Cleveland Browns are one of the best teams in the league at running the ball. Averaging 187.3 yards per game, they rank second overall in the NFL.
However, at times their offense can get stagnate because they're so run-focused. Starting QB Jacoby Brissett averages only 207.5 passing yards per game. If the Browns want to beat the Chargers, they need to pass too.
Defensively, the Browns allow 23.8 points per game. Keep in mind, the best offense they've faced so far is the Atlanta Falcons, who they lost to. Cleveland also lost to the New York Jets in Week 2, 31-30.
Having to go against the Chargers' wide receivers and Justin Herbert won't be easy. It also doesn't help that they only come in as three-point underdogs.
Los Angeles Chargers at Cleveland Browns Betting Pick
Both of these teams do one thing incredibly well. For the Cleveland Browns, it's running the ball, but this won't secure a win for them.
The Chargers have done well against the run this season, allowing a little over 100 yards per game. Considering Jacoby Brissett has a QBR of 40.2 this season, we don't see him picking apart the Chargers' secondary.
We do see the Chargers, however, finding ways to run the ball efficiently. As one of the best passing teams in the league, they can exploit that and establish the run early.
They'll only need to cover three points, and Los Angeles is 3-1 against the spread this year. In our opinion, they're the best pick for tonight's game.
DunkelIndex Free Pick: Los Angeles Chargers -3, UNDER
Prop Picks
Cleveland (-120) UNDER 23.5 Points
LA is allowing an average of 27.0 points per game on defense, which ranks No. 30 in the NFL. That average decreases to 25.5 points per game on the road. .
With Dunkel predicting an LA victory by the score of 26-17, take the Browns (-120) to finish UNDER their Vegas team total of 23.5 points against the Chargers.
Justin Herbert (-130) UNDER 273.5 Passing Yards
Cleveland allowed 202.3 passing yards per game last season, which ranked No. 5 in the NFL.. Cleveland is allowing 212.8 passing yards per game so far this season, which ranks No. 12 in the NFL.
With Dunkel predicting the final score staying UNDER the Vegas point total, take Herbert (-130) to finish UNDER 273.5 passing yards versus the Browns.
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All Media on this page by Associated Press.
