The Cleveland Browns (+3) are set to face off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3) at Raymond James Stadium. Kickoff for this showdown is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET and fans can catch the action by tuning in to FOX.
Betting Preview: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Cleveland Browns
In this Sunday game, Tampa Bay is labeled as the favorite and is currently giving up 3 points. The Browns are also receiving +130 moneyline odds while the Buccaneers are -150. Vegas has determined the over/under (O/U) to be 49 points. Based on how it’s shaping up, this game could offer some live betting possibilities.
The game’s total has shifted lower after originally being set at 49.5. The opening line of -3 has remained firm.
The Browns have lost 0.8 units so far and are 4-2 against the spread (ATS). The team has posted an O/U record of 3-3.
The Buccaneers are up 1.4 units for moneyline bettors this season. They’re 2-3 ATS and have an O/U record of 5-0.
The Browns are 2-3-1 straight up (SU) in 2018 while the Buccaneers are 2-3 SU.
The Browns are on the rebound after a 38-14 defeat to the Chargers last week. The passing game left much to be desired as Baker Mayfield completed just 22 passes on 46 attempts for 238 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Carlos Hyde (just 34 rushing yards on 14 attempts) spearheaded the ground attack in the loss while David Njoku (seven receptions, 55 yards, one TD) and Damion Ratley (six catches, 82 yards) handled the receiving duties.
Back in Week 6, Atlanta took care of this Tampa Bay team by a score of 34-29. The Bucs defensive secondary allowed the Falcons to air it out for 354 yards and three touchdowns. Julio Jones put up a good showing for Atlanta, posting 143 yards on 10 catches. For Tampa Bay, Jameis Winston completed 30-of-41 passes for 395 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions. Peyton Barber (82 rushing yards on 13 attempts) handled the ground attack in the defeat as Chris Godwin (six receptions, 56 yards, one TD) and DeSean Jackson (four catches, 77 yards) led the pass-catching attack.
Cleveland has run the ball on 42.9 percent of its offensive possessions this year while Tampa Bay has a rush percentage of 36.9 percent. The Browns have rushed for 137.7 yards/game and have eight scores via handoffs this year. The Bucs are logging 80.2 rush yards per game and have only one rushing TD.
The Browns offense has averaged 256.3 yards in the air overall and has six passing TDs so far. The Bucs have produced a ridiculous 379.2 pass yards per outing and have 16 total pass score.
Defensively, Cleveland appears to have the upper hand when it comes to limiting the pass. The team has allowed 138.2 rush yards and 282.8 pass yards per game. The Tampa Bay defense has given up 366.8 yards per game to opposing passers and 84.2 yards per game on the ground. The Browns are allowing an adjusted net yards per pass attempt (ANY/A) of only 5.37 to opponents, while the Bucs have given up an ugly 9.92 ANY/A.
Offensively, Mayfield has amassed 734 passing yards on the year. He’s completed 60-of-110 attempts with three scores through the air and four interceptions. Mayfield’s got a 4.80 adjusted net yards per pass attempt, including 4.27 over the last two games.
The Browns have tried to control the pace by feeding their running backs early and often. Along with David Njoku (176 yards, one TD), Duke Johnson Jr. (76 rush yards, 157 receiving yards) and Carlos Hyde (319 rush yards, five rush TDs) have been big focal points in the offensive gameplans for Cleveland.
Jameis Winston has managed to complete 30-of-41 passes for 395 yards, four TDs and two INTs for Tampa Bay. His ANY/A sits at 8.81 for the year and 6.82 over his past two outings.
The Bucs will also try to control the game’s pace by turning to their backfield. In addition to DeSean Jackson (389 receiving yards, three receiving TDs), Peyton Barber (206 rush yards, 31 receiving yards, one receiving TD) and Adam Humphries (four rush yards, 147 receiving yards) have seen quite a few touches lately.
Cleveland Browns at Tampa Bay Buccaneers Free NFL Pick
SU Winner: Buccaneers, ATS Winner: Browns, O/U: Under
Betting Notes
- Both teams have lost two fumbles this season.
- The Cleveland defensive unit has 15 sacks on the year while Tampa Bay has just nine.
- Cleveland has rushed for 5.3 yards per attempt across its last three outings and 4.4 over its last two.
- Tampa Bay has averaged 4.6 yards per carry over its last three contests and 4.8 over its past two.
