Browns at Colts: Preview, prediction, odds and pick
By John Buhler
The Indianapolis Colts will host the Cleveland Browns on Sunday afternoon in Week 3. Here is a game preview, the betting odds and a final score prediction.
In what might be the worst game of Week 3 of the 2017 NFL season, the Indianapolis Colts will welcome the Cleveland Browns to Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday for a battle of the winless in the AFC. Kickoff will be at 1:00 p.m. ET on September 24. Beth Mowins and Jay Feely will be in the booth to call the game for CBS.
Cleveland looks to be better than last year. That being said, last year’s Browns team went 1-15 and this year’s team still hasn’t won yet. The team plays hard for head coach Hue Jackson, but struggles to play competitive football for all 60 minutes. Could the Browns get their first win of 2017 in Week 3?
They might, as Indianapolis might be the worst team in football without starting quarterback Andrew Luck. This team is bereft of talent thanks to the botch job former general manager Ryan Grigson put this club through in terms of roster construction. Even if it is at home, the Colts could very well find itself at 0-3 as the worst team in the worst division in football.
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Indianapolis +1.5
Moneylines: Cleveland -125, Indianapolis +105
Over/Under: 41
According to SportsBook Review, the Colts will be getting 1.5 points at home from the visiting Browns. The associated moneylines for this game are Cleveland -125 and Indianapolis +105. This game’s over/under comes in at a combined 41 points.
Since neither team has elite offensive personnel, we have to side with the under in this one. Cleveland does have a solid offensive line, so its tailbacks could be able to get some yards against a confused Colts defense.
That being said, we can’t rely on rookie quarterback DeShone Kizer to win a game just yet with his arm in the NFL. He’s talent, but not quite there, as he’d only be a redshirt junior if he stays at Notre Dame in 2017.
Though Jacoby Brissett looks competent at quarterback, he is only a backup at this stage of his career. He can lead teams to wins, but has to do so with a reliable defense. The Colts have anything but that.
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Even if this is a home game for the Colts, we have to go with the Browns to win this one. That team will play a full 60 minutes and find a way to grind out its first win of the season. The seat gets scorching for Colts head coach Chuck Pagano after this narrow defeat at home to the Browns.
Prediction: Browns 20, Colts 17