Two teams with playoff aspirations meet in Minnesota on Sunday as the Minnesota Vikings host the Cleveland Browns at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The Browns come into this one with a 2-1 record, with their only loss coming to the Kansas City Chiefs to open the season. Minnesota sports a 1-2 record, that with a break or two going their way, could be 3-0. It’s time to take take a closer look at both teams and how they arrive to this Browns vs Vikings matchup so you can bet against their NFL odds.
NFL Betting Preview for Cleveland Browns at Minnesota
Cleveland Browns Betting Analysis
The Browns dominated the Bears last Sunday, beating Chicago by a score of 26-6. While Minnesota put up over 400 yards of offense, their defense was stellar, as they held the Bears to just 47 yards of total offense.
Myles Garrett was a mainstay in the Chicago backfield on Sunday, as he had four sacks, raising his total to 5.5 on the season. Garrett is also the team’s leading tackler with 14.
Baker Mayfield is making a case for a huge contract extension in the offseason. He has passed for 780 yards and two touchdowns on the season. His top receiver, Odell Beckham Jr., made his first appearance of the season in the Bears game last Sunday.
In their three games, Nick Chubb has run for 262 yards with three touchdowns. He has been a big part of the Browns‘ offense to start the season.
Cleveland’s defense has been much improved this season. With Garrett leading the way, the Browns defense has given up an average of 13.5 points in its last two games. They stymied the Chiefs’ offense for much of the game but had a letdown in the 4th quarter of their loss in Kansas City.
Minnesota Vikings Betting Analysis
While many were thinking that the Kirk Cousins era would come to an end at the conclusion of the season, his play has led many to rethink that decision.
Cousins has thrown for 918 yards with eight touchdowns this season. With Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson at his disposal, Cousins has a tremendous receiving duo.
Dalvin Cook, one of the league’s top running backs, missed last week’s game due to injury, but he has still amassed 192 yards rushing with one touchdown this season. Cook should be ready to play against Cleveland on Sunday.
Defensively, the Vikings still have their flaws, but Sunday’s game gave some signs that they are improving. They held a powerful Seattle offense to 389 yards. They held them scoreless in the second half in a Viking win.
Prediction
Cleveland is a road favorite in this one. The oddsmakers have made the Browns a one-point favorite. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski was Minnesota’s offensive coordinator prior to taking the Browns job. He would love to come back to Minnesota and leave with a victory.
Cleveland is 5-1 against the spread in its last six games, while the Vikings are 2-8 against the spread in their last 10. We’re going to go with the numbers and pick the Browns to win a tight one.
The Cleveland Browns win a high-scoring affair by a score of 34-30.
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