Rams vs Browns 2019 NFL Week 3 Lines & Game Prediction

The Cleveland Browns have not made the big splash so far in 2019 that many sports betting prognosticators (including me) thought they would. They got routed at home by 30 points by Tennessee in the opener, before heading to New York and pounding the Jets on Monday Night Football, rolling to a 23-3 win over a team that was down to its third-string quarterback for much of the game. They return home to face a Rams team that comes in at 2-0 after a convincing win over New Orleans in Week 2 (although Saints quarterback Drew Brees went down with a thumb injury in that game). Can the Browns show that they are contenders with a big win? Or will the Rams give Cleveland another dose of reality? Peruse our preview of this prime time matchup as you consider your wagering options.

Rams vs Browns 2019 NFL Week 3 Lines & Game Prediction

The gameplan for facing the Browns receivers? “Just execute, man. Good technique, and executing.”

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) September 20, 2019

When: Sunday, September 22, 2019, 8:20pm ET Where: FirstEnergy Field, Cleveland TV: NBC Radio: Westwood One Live Stream: ESPN+ NFL Odds: Cleveland +2.5 / O/U 51

Why should you bet on the Rams?

Cleveland is down to their third-string left tackle, which means that Baker Mayfield’s back is exposed every time he drops back to pass. That led to three Mayfield interceptions in the fourth quarter of that loss to Tennessee, which turned a 15-13 game into a 43-13 whipping. The Browns did not commit nearly as many as the 18 they made in their opener, but the fact that Mayfield still does not look comfortable in the pocket bodes well for the Rams. Why? Because of Aaron Donald, the game’s best pass rusher. He will get after Mayfield all night long. His first two opponents have keyed on him, keeping him from getting any sacks. He had 20 ½ last year (although none until Week 4). It’s hard not to imagine him getting loose and taking down Mayfield multiple times after the Titans and Jets were able to pressure him easily. Mayfield also holds onto the ball too long; finding a balance will be a key part of his learning curve in the NFL.

Why should you put your money on the Browns?

Cleveland is not the only team that will take the field Sunday with questions on the offensive line. The Rams will have three untested starters on their O-line, as Jamil Demby is set to start at right guard thanks to Austin Blythe’s ankle injury. This would be his first career start, and center Brian Allen and left guard Joe Noteboom, both rookies, are about to make their third career starts. The two tackles have not done a great job protecting Jared Goff this year yet. Goff does have Cooper Kupp to run up and down the field catching passes, along with Brandin Cooks. That pair makes the Rams’ offense dangerous. They will have a hard time against the Cleveland defense, but if some turnovers give the Rams a short field, then things could get ugly in a hurry. If you like Cleveland, then you likely think that the Rams will underestimate the Browns and come out flat on the road, and the Browns will take advantage and jump out to an early lead. Given how easily the Rams managed the New Orleans offense last week, though, that will be a tall order.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction for Rams vs Browns

When this line first came out, the Browns were actually favored by three points. Then we saw the Browns struggle against the Jets’ pass rush on Monday Night Football, and while Mayfield was able to find Odell Beckham Jr on a crossing route en route to an 89-yard touchdown, that was in the later half of the game. Could the Browns’ pass rush do as much damage to the Rams as they did to the Jets? I see them getting to Goff now and then, but I don’t see the damage mounting high enough for the Browns to win. I predict a final score of Los Angeles 23, Cleveland 10.