in NFL Free Picks

After posting a surprising 10-6 record in 2007 and narrowly missing out on a playoff berth in the process, the Cleveland Browns, (10-6 SU, 12-4 ATS, 9-6-1 O/U) enter the 2008 regular season full of high expectations for the first time since Bernie Kosar was leading the team to multiple AFC Championship game appearances over a decade ago.

Not only are the Browns expecting big things in 2008, but the BetUS sports wagering fraternity should too, as the Browns posted an absolutely spectacular 12-4 ATS record last season that included a near perfect 7-1 ATS mark at home and money-making 5-3 ATS mark on the road.

Not only are the Browns hoping for an even more successful season in 2008, but the team did something about it by addressing several needs this offseason, mostly through free agency.

General Manager Phil Savage and beloved players’ coach Romeo Crennel put their respective heads together and came up with a comprehensive plan to improve their club this offseason – and the Browns are clearly more talented than they were entering the 2007 regular season because of it.

The Browns, who also posted respectable numbers across the board in Over/Under wagers, going 4-3-1 in O/U wagers at home and 5-3 in O/U wagers on the road, locked up aging, but still productive, running back Jamal Lewis, who proved everybody wrong in 2007, (including me) for another three years and secured the services of 2007 All-Pro quarterback Derek Anderson by signing the strong-armed signal caller for three years and $24 million right after the annual free agency period began.

The Browns also sent a second-round pick to the Detroit Lions for defensive lineman Shaun Rogers.

The Browns also improved their offense by adding another deep threat in wide receiver Donte' Stallworth.

Cleveland also added veteran performers in cornerback Terry Cousin, guard Rex Hadnot, and linebacker Shantee Orr, though Crennel has also gone on record as saying he wants to add a veteran offensive tackle.

Here is a look at the Browns’ 2008 Draft Picks, followed by their 2007 team statistics and 2008 BetUS Sportsbook.

2008 NFL Draft Picks

Round 4 (104): Beau Bell ILB, UNLV
Round 4 (111): Martin Rucker TE, Missouri
Round 6 (190): Ahtyba Rubin DT, Iowa State
Round 6 (191): Paul Hubbard WR, Wisconsin
Round 7 (231): Alex Hall DE, St. Augustine's

2007 Team Statistics

Offense

351.2 total yards per game: Rank 8
232.4 passing yards allowed per game: Rank 12
118.8 rushing yards allowed per game: Rank 10
25.1 points scored per game: Rank 8

Defense

359.6 totalyards allowed per game: Rank 30
230.1 passing yards allowed per game: Rank 25
129.5 rushing yards allowed per game: Rank 27
23.9 points allowed per game: Rank 21

2008 NFL Odds in BetUS Sportsbook

+175 to win AFC North
+1600 to win AFC Championship
+3000 to win Super Bowl XLIII

The 2008 Super Bowl XLII and beyond!