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Browns at Chargers: Odds, trends and more

By Matt Verderame

Sep 27, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown (13) makes a pass for seven-yard gain against the Oakland Raiders during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown (13) makes a pass for seven-yard gain against the Oakland Raiders during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Cleveland Browns are in the familiar role of underdog on Sunday afternoon at Qualcomm Stadium against the San Diego Chargers. Despite both teams being 1-2 and struggling, the Chargers are favored by 5.5 points with the over/under at 44.5, according to BOVADA.

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Cleveland is going to struggle throughout the year on offense. Head coach Mike Pettine is without a solid starting quarterback, choosing to put Josh McCown on the field over second-year man Johnny Manziel. McCown started Week 1 against the New York Jets but was knocked out in the first quarter with a concussion. Manziel then replaced him in Week 2 and led Cleveland to the win, beating the listless Tennessee Titans. Last week, Pettine went back to McCown and watched a horrid performance in a loss to the Oakland Raiders.

San Diego is expected to compete for the playoffs, with some folks actually picking it to win the AFC West. However, things are not going according to plan so far. Philip Rivers has been very good, but the offensive line is underwhelming and the defense is nowhere to be found.

Looking at the trends, it seems like the best bet would be taking the UNDER. Cleveland has seen the total go UNDER in 11 of its last 15 games. Despite a potent offense, the Chargers have also taken part in the total going UNDER in five of the last seven games, per OddsShark. In addition, the Browns have been good on the road, covering the spread in five of their last seven attempts.

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