Denver Broncos vs. Cleveland Browns Betting Preview: Don’t Expect More TNF Fireworks Tonight as Hobbled Browns Host Broncos

This week’s Thursday Night Football matchup sees two 3-3 teams face off in Cleveland. In the case of the Broncos, 3-3 is a relatively decent start, but that is not the case for the Browns.

Cleveland has the added challenge this week of playing without starting QB Baker Mayfield, along with top running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. But key receiver Jarvis Landry has been activated from injured reserve, so that is some positive news for the offense. It will be interesting to see if Case Keenum can have a productive night against one of his former teams.

Defense has led the way for the Broncos so far this season, and you would think that they see the Browns’ injuries as an opportunity to wreak some havoc tonight on the road.

We’ve had several Thursday night thrillers already, and this one could be too. But don’t look for a lot of points along the way.

Denver Broncos (3-3) vs Cleveland Browns (3-3), FOX & NFL Network, 8:20 p.m. ET

Denver Broncos vs Cleveland Browns NFL Betting Odds

Moneyline

• Denver Broncos +114
• Cleveland Browns -134

Total

• OVER 40.5 (-110)
• UNDER 40.5 (-110)

Spread

• Denver Broncos +1.5 (-105)
• Cleveland Browns -1.5 (-115)

Denver Broncos vs Cleveland Brown odds are via BetOnline Sportsbook as of Thursday, October 21, 2021 at 6:10 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.

Denver Broncos vs Cleveland Browns NFL Betting Consensus

Moneyline

• 0% Denver Broncos
• 100% Cleveland Browns

Total (at O/U 40.5)

• 75% OVER 40.5
• 25% UNDER 40.5

Spread (at +/-1.5)

• 0% Denver Broncos +1.5
• 100% Cleveland Browns -1.5

Denver Broncos vs. Cleveland Browns Matchup: NFL Betting Picks, Odds, Stats and More

Denver Broncos vs. Cleveland Browns Betting Outlook

The AFC West is very competitive this season. Denver’s 3-3 start has them in the race, and even though they are on the road this spot is not too bad to add a win.

Denver started 3-0 and has lost their last three games, so they are looking to break that streak. The offense has stagnated some, and that is generally the problem with QB Teddy Bridgewater. He just doesn’t have the arm talent to force the ball with success. Not having WR Jerry Jeudy doesn’t help. He has not been a big-play guy, but his shiftiness in the slot means he is open on most plays.

The Denver defense has lived up to its billing so far. They are fourth in yards and points allowed this season, and that is even with pass rusher Bradly Chubb missing significant time (he is still out). OLB Von Miller has looked good in his return from injury this season, and with a backup QB leading the Browns, there will be even more incentive to create chaos with the pass rush. Denver is holding opponents to just 85 yards per game on the ground. That is a stat that bodes well for taking on Cleveland.

Cleveland’s High Expectations Grounded After Slow Start

In addition to Baker Mayfield being out this week, so are Chubb and Hunt. But Keenum will have Landry to sling it to, and TE David Njoku is available to play after participating in Wednesday’s practice. Njoku had a monster game in the Browns’ Week 5 loss to the Chargers. He has generally thrived because it is easy to lose track of him with all of the other talents the Browns have on offense, but he might be counted on a lot tonight. An offensive line that some think is among the best in the game will be challenged.

Cleveland’s defense has been abused the last couple of weeks by the Cardinals and Chargers. Nevertheless, they are still second in the NFL in yards allowed. They are giving up lots of points, but this is a spot where they should be able to rally and have a good game. They are going to need to if they want to avoid losing at home. The health of the defense is better than the offense, but they are missing speedy rookie linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, and there are also concerns along the defensive line.

NFL Betting Trends to Consider for Denver Broncos vs Cleveland Browns

• Denver is 4-1 ATS in their last five games after accumulating more than 250 yards passing in their previous game.
• The Broncos are 4-1 ATS in their last five games after allowing more than 350 total yards in their previous game.
• The Broncos are 11-3 ATS in their last 14 Thursday games.
• Cleveland is 5-2 ATS in their last seven games following a ATS loss.
• The Browns are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 Thursday games.
• The Browns are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games after allowing more than 350 total yards in their previous game.

Denver Broncos vs Cleveland Browns Best Bet

Denver Broncos ML

With such a small number it just makes more sense to go with the extra payoff of the ML vs the +1.5 here. The Broncos may not have a high-powered offense, but they play defense and don’t make a ton of mistakes. Neither team is in good form right now but at least the Broncos are in much better shape health-wise. Plus they can play a little looser on the road as underdogs. There is still pressure on Cleveland. Injuries have hurt the team, but they also might not have been quite ready.

Prop Watch: Case Keenum Over 219.5 Yards Passing

Keenum has experience in the league and won’t be too caught up in the moment. I am not saying he is as good as Mayfield, but they have a similar skillset and the Browns are going to have to throw the ball to try and win. They might even be playing from behind as the favorite. Put that together, and I think Keenum eclipses this low number.

Denver Broncos vs Cleveland Browns Score Prediction

Denver Broncos 24, Cleveland Browns 21