Chargers vs. Browns Prediction: Brandon Staley's Two High Defense, Meet Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt

The Los Angeles Chargers won last week to get to 2-2, but their problems are not fixed by any means. They are still trying to take the next step into becoming a true AFC Contender, the step the Cleveland Browns have been trying to take for two years and what prompted their trade for Deshaun Watson. 

The Browns are 2-2 after their loss to Atlanta last week, but .500 with Jacoby Brissett might be enough. 

Chargers vs. Browns Odds, Spread and Total

Chargers vs. Browns Odds, Spread and Total Movement in NFL Week 5

The Chargers opened as 1.5-point favorites and it has gone up throughout the week. At 2.5, it is nearing the crucial jump through the field goal. 

Chargers vs. Browns Prediction and Pick

What have the Chargers done to earn being favorites on the road in Cleveland? They weren’t a playoff team last year and they haven’t fixed any of the issues that plagued them. Sure, they beat Houston 34-24 last week, but they nearly let Davis Mills come back on them and they only scored seven points in the entire second half. 

We know that Brandon Staley’s whole ideology on defense is to play with two high safeties and let the other team run the ball, but maybe it’s time to reevaluate. This defense worked with Aaron Donald in the middle, but it doesn’t seem to do as well without him. Rahsawn Slater is out for the year, Joey Bosa is hurt (again) and so are Keenan Allen and Justin Herbert. 

Staley’s defense gives up 5.4 yards per carry, the second worst number in the league and Cleveland has gained the second most rush yards in the league and averages five yards a pop themselves. 

The Browns are going to be able to run all over LA and I have no faith that the Chargers will be able to respond. Especially if the Browns get Myles Garrett back in the lineup this week. 

Pick: Browns +120

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